Australian health authorities have issued an advisory warning about counterfeit rabies vaccines reportedly administered in India, raising concerns for travellers and healthcare providers. The advisory highlights potential gaps in protection against rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) issued the alert for Australian travellers and residents who may have received rabies vaccination in India. The advisory applies to individuals vaccinated on or after November 1, 2023, particularly those who received the vaccine Abhayrab or those uncertain about the vaccine brand used.
Healthcare providers in Australia have been advised to review vaccination histories and assess whether additional doses are required.
According to ATAGI, counterfeit versions of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab have reportedly circulated in India. These counterfeit products may not contain the required active ingredients, which could result in inadequate immune protection against rabies.
The advisory does not claim that all Abhayrab doses are unsafe. Instead, it warns that some counterfeit batches may have entered the supply chain, making it difficult to confirm vaccine authenticity based on packaging or documentation alone.
The advisory was released in December 2025, following reports that counterfeit vaccines had circulated in India since late 2023. Australian health authorities issued the warning after reviewing information related to vaccine supply integrity and potential risks to travellers vaccinated abroad.
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, most commonly dogs. Once clinical symptoms develop, rabies is nearly 100% fatal.
Timely and complete post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including wound washing, rabies vaccination, and rabies immunoglobulin when indicated, effectively prevents disease. If a vaccine is counterfeit or ineffective, the individual may remain unprotected despite completing the vaccination schedule.
ATAGI recommends that individuals who received rabies vaccination in India during the specified period should:
Consult a healthcare provider
Review vaccination records, including vaccine brand and dates
Consider revaccination with approved rabies vaccines registered in Australia if vaccine authenticity cannot be confirmed
These steps aim to ensure adequate immunity, particularly for those vaccinated after a potential rabies exposure.
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), the manufacturer of Abhayrab, has rejected claims suggesting widespread circulation of counterfeit vaccines. The company stated that it identified a single batch with packaging irregularities in early 2025 and immediately informed Indian regulatory authorities.
IIL reported that the issue was isolated, corrective actions were taken, and the affected batch was withdrawn. The company emphasized that its vaccines undergo routine quality checks and regulatory clearance before distribution.
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