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Fake Rabies Vaccines Circulate in India, Health Alert Issued
4 Jan
Summary
- Counterfeit Abhayrab vaccines were found circulating in India.
- Australian and US health bodies warned travelers about the fake vaccines.
- Manufacturer confirmed a specific counterfeit batch was removed from shelves.
Health authorities in Australia and the U.S. issued warnings late last year concerning counterfeit Abhayrab human anti-rabies vaccines being distributed in India since November 1, 2023. These fake vaccines have been detected in major Indian cities, posing a risk of failure to prevent rabies. Consequently, travelers administered Abhayrab in India after the specified date are advised to consider their vaccination invalid and seek a new course of treatment.
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), the manufacturer of Abhayrab, confirmed on December 27, 2025, that a counterfeit batch (batch no. KA24014, manufactured March 2024, expired February 2027) was no longer on the market. The company reported the issue to Indian regulators and law enforcement in early January 2025. IIL emphasizes that all vaccine batches undergo stringent testing by the National Control Laboratory.
Healthcare providers recommend revaccination if there is any doubt about the authenticity or effectiveness of a previous rabies vaccine. Repeat vaccination is considered safe and necessary when vaccine quality, storage, or documentation is questionable. India, which experiences 18,000-20,000 rabies deaths annually, is implementing a National Rabies Control Programme aiming for rabies elimination by 2030.
