Archive · 28 Dec 2025
Australia Warns on Fake Rabies Vaccine
Australia's health advisory group told travelers that a rabies vaccine called Abhayrab, made in India, might not be safe if they got it after November 1, 2023.
The vaccine company, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), said this warning is too strict and only one batch of the vaccine was affected.
They found a problem with that batch in January 2025 and told the Indian government.
The company said the vaccine is usually safe and asked Australia to change its warning.
They also said the bad batch is no longer being sold.
The vaccine has been used in India and other countries for a long time and is generally safe.
Australia's ATAGI advised travelers to consider Abhayrab rabies vaccine invalid if received after November 1, 2023.
IIL refuted the advisory, stating only one specific batch (KA24014, March 2024) was counterfeited and identified in January 2025.
IIL proactively notified Indian regulators and law enforcement about the counterfeit batch and ensured swift action.
The counterfeit batch is no longer available, and IIL emphasized the overall safety and efficacy of their vaccine.
IIL requested ATAGI to review the advisory to prevent public anxiety and mistrust in vaccines.
- Who
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL)
- What
- Advisory against a specific batch of rabies vaccine, Abhayrab, due to counterfeiting concerns
- When
- Advisory issued around a week ago, counterfeit batch identified in January 2025
- Where
- Australia and India
- Why
- Concerns over the validity and safety of a specific batch of the vaccine
Australia's Advisory
India's Clarification
Timing of Counterfeit Vaccines
Australia's Advisory
Counterfeit batches have been circulating since 2023.
India's Clarification
Only one specific batch (KA24014) was counterfeited and identified in January 2025.
Vaccine Validity
Australia's Advisory
People vaccinated with Abhayrab after November 1, 2023, may not be fully protected.
India's Clarification
The counterfeit batch is no longer available, and the vaccine is generally safe and effective.
Advisory Impact
Australia's Advisory
Travellers and healthcare providers should replace doses with valid vaccines registered in Australia.
India's Clarification
The advisory is over-cautious and misplaced, causing unnecessary public anxiety.
- Vaccine Name
- Abhayrab
- Manufacturer
- Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL)
- Batch Number
- KA24014
- Manufacturing Date
- March 2024
- Expiry Date
- February 2027
- Identified Counterfeit
- January 2025
- Market Share in India
- 40%
- Total Doses Supplied
- 210 million
Sources
Over-cautionary: Manufacturer on Australia’s advisory against its rabies vaccine
After Australia's advisory against Abhayrab rabies vaccine, maker says issue limited to one batch
Fake Rabies Vaccine Advisory Explained: What Australia Warned, What India Clarified
Indian Immunologicals writes to Australian health authorities about counterfeit rabies vaccine
Fake rabies vaccine available in India since 2023, claims Australia: Pharma co refutes charges
Australia Flags Indian Rabies Vaccine
Australia warns against counterfeit rabies vaccine in India: What advisory says and how 'Abhayrab' manufacturer reacted
Fake rabies vaccine: IIL says real Abhayrab safe after Australia alert, calls it isolated case
Indian vaccine maker seeks review of Australian alert on counterfeit rabies shots - Telegraph India
Indian Immunologicals Clarifies On Abhayrab® Vaccine, Counters Misplaced Advisory Reference
Indian Vaccine Maker Hits Back At Australia’s ‘Fake Rabies Shot’ Alarm — Demands Urgent Review
