• The pharmaceutical manufacturer Indian Immunologicals Limited has reported that a counterfeit (fake) batch of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab® has been circulating in India since 20231 .
• One batch of Abhyarab® vaccine vials has been affected – KA24014.
• The fake vaccine differs from the registered vaccine in formulation, packaging, labelling, and manufacturing1 .
• People who received the fake vaccine may not be fully protected against rabies and are advised to get replacement doses to ensure they are adequately protected.
• The probability that an Australian traveller to India will be adversely affected is low. However, a precautionary approach is being taken due to the potentially high severity of impact associated with inadequate rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Additionally, while infection with rabies is fatal, it is important to note that rabies disease after a potential exposure remains very rare among travellers.
