The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has been made aware of a recent alert from the United Kingdom’s National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) regarding the circulation of a falsified rabies vaccine in India. The original notice, titled “Falsified Rabies Vaccine: India,” reports serious concerns about counterfeit doses of the ABHAYRAB rabies vaccine.
On January 13, 2025, Indian Immunologicals Limited notified the Drug Controller General of India about counterfeit versions of the ABHAYRAB rabies vaccine entering the market. At this time, it remains unclear when UK health authorities were first informed of the situation.
Public health agencies across the four nations of the UK have now launched a look-back investigation, focusing on travellers who may have received rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in India following an animal bite from November 2023 onward. The purpose of this review is to identify individuals who may require additional rabies vaccination due to concerns about the authenticity and effectiveness of the doses they received.
It is still unknown whether the falsified vaccine remains in circulation or whether it has been fully removed from the market. NaTHNaC notes that there is no confirmation at this time, but the possibility of continued circulation remains a concern. Further examination of this issue is expected in the coming weeks.
PHAC is sharing this alert to ensure that all Canadian jurisdictions are aware when assessing travellers returning from India who received rabies post-exposure vaccination, particularly those vaccinated since November 2023.
Healthcare providers who suspect that a patient may have received a falsified rabies vaccine in India should contact their local, provincial, or territorial public health authority for advice and case-specific guidance.
NaTHNaC received details from India’s regulatory bodies—the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO, Enforcement Division)—regarding the presence of counterfeit ABHAYRAB (Batch No. KA24014) vaccines.
The falsified product has been reported in several major Indian cities:
The counterfeit vaccine differs significantly from legitimate ABHAYRAB products in:
In addition, the falsified doses are reportedly circulating without proper cold chain maintenance (2–8°C)—a critical requirement for vaccine stability and effectiveness. This significantly increases the risk of vaccine failure and poses serious concerns for both travellers and local populations.
