Recent advisories from health authorities in Australia, the UK, and the US have prompted individuals who received rabies vaccinations in India to verify their doses. These alerts have arisen due to concerns over counterfeit rabies vaccines in circulation, notably the Abhayrab vaccine, manufactured by the Human Biologicals Institute.
Rabies is a viral disease spread through the saliva of infected animals. Transmission usually occurs via bites or scratches from animals like dogs, cats, monkeys, and bats. Initial symptoms include fever and headache, progressing to severe manifestations such as hydrophobia and paralysis. Prompt post-exposure vaccination is crucial for prevention.
According to India’s National Rabies Control Programme, there have been 6,644 suspected rabies cases between 2012 and 2022, which is likely an underestimate. The WHO estimates that India accounts for nearly 36% of global rabies deaths, underscoring the importance of vaccine safety and effective regulatory measures.
Health advisories have raised alarms about counterfeit batches of the Abhayrab vaccine. Reports indicate that fake vaccines may have been sold in various Indian cities since 2023, prompting international concern due to the lethal nature of rabies once symptoms manifest.
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) identified a counterfeit batch in January 2025 and reported it to the relevant authorities. The company asserts that genuine vaccines are still in circulation and emphasizes the need to address misinformation that may lead to vaccine hesitancy, especially in rural areas.
Investigations revealed that the counterfeit issue primarily involved tampered packaging rather than substandard vaccine content. The genuine product was found in seized vaccines, suggesting that the diversion of government-supplied vaccines into the open market was the core problem.
Experts reassured the public that even if one rabies vaccine dose were ineffective, the remaining doses and rabies immunoglobulin would likely provide adequate protection. Following WHO guidelines, unimmunized individuals should receive three intramuscular doses or two intradermal doses along with immunoglobulin.
In Kerala, a rise in rabies deaths in 2022 led to public anxiety regarding vaccine effectiveness. However, a committee from the Union Health Ministry concluded that the main issues were improper wound management and the lack of rabies immunoglobulin for patients with severe bites, highlighting systemic challenges in rabies management.
Q1. What should I do if I received a rabies vaccine in India?
Answer: It's advisable to check with healthcare providers regarding the necessity of replacement doses due to concerns about counterfeit vaccines. Early intervention is crucial for effective rabies prevention.
Q2. How is rabies transmitted?
Answer: Rabies is primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Saliva contact with open wounds can also lead to infection.
Q3. Why is rabies immunoglobulin important?
Answer: Rabies immunoglobulin is critical for individuals at high risk of infection, particularly after severe bites, to ensure adequate protection against the disease.
Q4. What are the symptoms of rabies?
Answer: Symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, hydrophobia, hallucinations, and paralysis. Early medical intervention is vital for prevention.
Q5. What should be done after an animal bite?
Answer: Immediate wound washing and medical consultation are essential. Timely administration of rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin can prevent infection.
Question 1: What is the primary method of rabies transmission?
A) Airborne particles
B) Contaminated water
C) Animal bites
D) Direct contact with humans
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: Which vaccine is commonly associated with rabies prevention in India?
A) Covaxin
B) Abhayrab
C) Hepatitis B
D) Tetanus
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the recommended treatment after a high-risk animal bite?
A) Observation only
B) Antibiotics only
C) Rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin
D) Pain relief medication
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: How many doses of rabies vaccine are typically administered after exposure?
A) One
B) Three
C) Five
D) Seven
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What percentage of global rabies deaths occur in India?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 36%
D) 50%
Correct Answer: C
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