The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and Victoria’s Department of Health issued a health alert recently on the circulation of counterfeit batches of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab® in India since 1 November 2023.
People who have received this vaccine while in India may be impacted and may not be fully protected against rabies and are recommended to receive replacement doses with a rabies vaccine registered in Australia.
This alert also applies to an administered vaccine brand that is unknown.
Health officials recommend:
Anyone who has received one or more doses of Abhayrab®, or an unknown rabies vaccine brand, in India from 1 November 2023 onwards are advised to see their GP or healthcare provider. You may be recommended to receive replacement vaccine doses.
Rabies travel notice for India: Human case in US traveler, counterfeit vaccines
General advice for people visiting countries where rabies occurs:
Speak to your GP, travel health clinic or immunisation provider about recommended vaccines for travel.
Avoid contact with wild and domestic animals when visiting countries where rabies occurs. If bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of an animal, seek immediate medical care.
Keep detailed records of any vaccines received while overseas, including the dates received, product names and batch numbers. Take a photo of the packaging and label if possible.
Upon returning to Australia, discuss if any additional vaccine doses are needed with your GP.
According to the Victoria Department of Health:
Rabies is a rare but highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system. It is caused by the rabies virus, and it spreads to people from infected animals. It does not occur in Australia but is found in many parts of the world, including India. Symptoms of rabies can occur within days or up to several years after exposure. Immediate wound care and post-exposure prophylaxis with rabies vaccine +/- rabies immunoglobulin prevent against disease following exposure to infected animals.
