Australian health authorities have warned that travellers who received rabies vaccinations in India since late 2023 may not be fully protected, after counterfeit batches of a widely used vaccine were found to be circulating.
The alert was issued by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which said fake versions of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab®️ have been detected in India since 1 November 2023. While the vaccine is not supplied in Australia, officials said the issue could affect Australians who began or completed rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) while overseas.
Health authorities advised that anyone who received one or more doses of Abhayrab®️, or whose vaccine brand is unknown, in India during this period should consult a GP or healthcare provider to determine whether replacement doses are required. As it is difficult to distinguish genuine from counterfeit products, ATAGI recommended a precautionary approach, treating such doses as potentially invalid.
People who completed their full rabies vaccination course in countries other than India, including Australia, are not affected by the alert.
According to ATAGI, replacement doses should be given using rabies vaccines registered in Australia, such as Rabipur®️ or Verorab®️. In some cases, clinicians may also request blood tests to check rabies antibody levels and seek specialist advice if immunity is below recommended thresholds.
Public health units are contacting individuals known to have started rabies PEP in India and completed it in Australia, referring them to GPs or urgent care clinics where further doses are needed. However, officials noted that some travellers may not be known to health authorities and could self-present following media coverage.
Rabies is a rare but almost always fatal disease once symptoms appear. It is transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals and is preventable with prompt wound care and appropriate vaccination after exposure.
Health authorities are also urging Australians travelling to rabies-endemic countries, including parts of Asia, Africa and Central and South America, to seek pre-travel medical advice. Pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended depending on travel plans and activities, and travellers are advised to avoid contact with animals and keep detailed records of any vaccines received overseas.
Clinicians seeking further guidance have been advised to contact their local public health unit.
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