Australian federal and state health authorities have issued alerts over counterfeit batches of a rabies vaccine that have been circulating in India for the past two years.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) issued a warning on December 19 about fake doses of an Indian product called Abhayrab, saying anyone who received the counterfeit vaccine may not be protected and should be replacement doses.
NSW Health issued a similar warning for all GPs and clinicians on the same day, and Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong issued an alert for health professionals and the broader community on Tuesday.
ATAGI recommended people who were vaccinated against rabies in India after November 1 2023 visit a healthcare provider, advised doctors to replace any dose of Abhayrab with Australian-registered vaccines, and warned travellers to India to avoid contact with animals.
“Anyone who is scratched, bitten or exposed to the saliva of an animal should seek immediate medical care and, where possible, request a vaccine compatible with Australian-registered rabies vaccines,” ATAGI said.
“Be aware of the potential for fake vaccines and keep detailed records of any vaccines received outside of Australia, including dates, product names, and batch numbers. Where possible, take a photo of the vaccine packaging and label.
“Upon returning to Australia, follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss if any additional doses are required. People should consider getting pre-exposure rabies vaccination prior to travel. This reduces the number of vaccine doses needed if exposed and simplifies post-exposure prophylaxis.”
ATAGI noted that Abhayrab is not available in Australia, and said the alert did not apply to people who have completed a full rabies vaccine course in a country other than India.
The alerts come just weeks after a case of rabies was reported in the US in a traveller from India, prompting a travel warning from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that highlighted the circulation of fake vaccines.
The Delhi Drugs Control Department issued its own urgent warning about the counterfeit vaccines in March this year, saying fake batches had been found in the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Lucknow.
“The counterfeit product exhibits several differences compared to the original product and may pose a significant risk to public health and safety,” the warning stated.
Header image credit: Mufid Majnun (Unsplash).
