By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued a critical alert regarding a falsified ABHAYRAB Rabies vaccine that is currently circulating through unauthorized sources.
This counterfeit product poses threats to public health, as it may lack efficacy and contain harmful components, leading to treatment failure in preventing rabies, a disease known for its fatal consequences.
In a statement, the MCAZ has provided specific details to help identify the falsified vaccine as compared to the registered version.
| FALSIFIED VACCINE | REGISTERED VACCINE | |
| Product Name | RABIES VACCINE, HUMAN I.P. | RABIES VACCINE B.P. ‘Rab’ |
| Declared active ingredient | Purified Vero Cell Rabies Vaccine | Purified Vero Cell Rabies Vaccine |
| Stated Manufacturer | Human Biologicals Institute (A division of Indian Immunologicals Limited), Survey No.: 281-284 and 321, Biotech Park, Phase III, Karkapatla Village, Markook Mandal, Siddipet (Dist.) 502 281, Telanagana, India | Human Biologicals Institute (A division of Indian Immunologicals Limited), Kazhipannai, Pudumund P.O., Dr Basavaiah Nagar, Udhagamandalam, Pin: 643007, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Batch Number | KE24002 (Sample) | 24URAB086 (Sample) |
| Expiry date | 05/27 (Sample) | OCT27 (Sample) |
The MCAZ urges all licensed wholesalers, pharmacies, public and private clinics, and hospitals to quarantine any units of the falsified vaccine.
These quarantined units must then be submitted to the MCAZ for proper disposal.
Additionally, the general public who may have purchased this counterfeit vaccine is advised to return it to the pharmacy from which it was obtained.
For any inquiries or further information, the MCAZ can be contacted directly.