MCAZ WARNS AGAINST FAKE RABIES VACCINE

Laura Maposa

THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has warned the public against fake ABHAYRAB Rabies vaccine, circulating in the market through unauthorised dealers.

According to MCAZ, the fake product poses a significant threat to public health due to its potential for lack of efficacy, harmful components and the risk of treatment failure in preventing rabies, a very dangerous disease.

In a statement, the authority urged all licensed wholesalers, pharmacies, public and private clinics, and hospitals about the fake ABHAYRAB Rabies vaccine.

“The public is advised to check the following on the label so as to identify the correct vaccine.

“The falsified vaccine has a written label: RABIES VACCINE, HUMAN I.P. Purified Vero Cell Rabies Vaccine Human Biologicals Institute (A division of Indian Immunologicals Limited).

“There is also survey No.: 281-284 and 321, Biotech Park, Phase III, Karkapatla Village, Markook Mandal, Siddipet (Dist.) 502 281, Telangana, India KE24002 (Sample) 05/27 (Sample).”

“The official registered vaccine has RABIES VACCINE B.P. ‘Rab Purified Vero Cell Rabies Vaccine Human Biologicals Institute (A division of Indian Immunologicals Limited), Kazhipannai, Pudumund P.O., Dr Basavaiah Nagar, Udhagamandalam, Pin:643007, Tamil Nadu, India24URAB086 (Sample)OCT27 (Sample).

“Thereafter, these quarantined units must be submitted to the Authority for disposal.

“The general public, who might have purchased the same falsified vaccine, is advised to return the product to the pharmacy where they obtained the medicine.”