Australia Issues Health Alert Over Suspected Counterfeit Rabies Vaccine

A health alert from Australia regarding a suspected counterfeit rabies vaccine, known as Abhayrab, has raised significant concerns among the public. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) issued a warning that travellers who received the vaccine in India after November 1, 2023, might have received an invalid dose. This alert has caused widespread panic, prompting a response from the Indian manufacturer, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL).

The alert from ATAGI indicates that counterfeit batches of the rabies vaccine have been circulating in India since November 2023, potentially leaving individuals who received these doses unprotected against rabies. In light of this situation, the advisory urged those vaccinated with Abhayrab after the specified date to consider their vaccinations invalid and seek new doses.

In response to the alert, IIL clarified that the concerns relate specifically to a particular batch identified in January 2025. The company emphasized that the counterfeit batch, identified as Batch KA 24014, is no longer in circulation. IIL expressed strong disapproval of ATAGI’s broad warning, which they believe misrepresents the situation and could undermine public confidence in vaccines.

The company detailed its proactive measures, stating that upon discovering a packaging anomaly in the identified batch, they immediately notified Indian regulators and law enforcement. IIL cooperated with authorities to ensure that appropriate actions were taken swiftly.

“This was an isolated incident, and the counterfeit batch is no longer available on the shelves,” said IIL in a letter to ATAGI. The company further stated that there have been no other incidents of counterfeit vaccines beyond Batch No. KA 24014.

IIL urged ATAGI to retract the advisory to prevent confusion among healthcare professionals and to maintain public trust in vaccines. They highlighted that all vaccine batches produced in India are rigorously tested and approved by the Central Drugs Laboratory of the Government of India before being distributed.

The ATAGI has stated that, due to the difficulty in determining whether individuals received a genuine or counterfeit vaccine, anyone vaccinated with Abhayrab in India from November 1, 2023, onward should be treated as if they may have received a counterfeit dose and should be offered replacement vaccinations.

As concerns continue to mount, Sunil Tiwari, Vice President and Head of Quality Management at IIL, reassured the public. “Supplies made through government institutions and authorized distributors remain safe and of standard quality,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of public confidence in vaccination programs.

The situation illustrates the complexities and challenges of vaccine distribution and public health messaging in an increasingly interconnected world. As both Australian and Indian health authorities work to address these concerns, the priority remains clear: ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccines for all individuals.