Australian Health Authorities Warn Travellers About Counterfeit Rabies Vaccine in India

Australian health officials have issued an urgent warning for travellers regarding a counterfeit rabies vaccine circulating in India. The advisory, released on December 19 by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), specifically concerns the vaccine brand “Abhayrab.” Travellers who received this vaccine in India after November 1, 2023, are advised that their immunisation may be invalid and should consider starting a new vaccination course.

The manufacturer, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), has contested the scope of the warning. The company described the advisory as “over-cautionary and misplaced,” stating that the issue affects only a single batch—Batch No. KA24014. IIL reported the packaging anomaly in January 2025 to Indian regulators and law enforcement and emphasized that no other counterfeit batches are known. The affected batch has already been removed from the market.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in global medical supply chains and the importance of verifying vaccines while travelling. The conflicting messages between a national health advisory and the manufacturer’s statement may cause confusion for the public. Rabies, once symptoms develop, is almost always fatal, making prevention through reliable vaccination critical.

Australian travellers are advised to consult travel medicine specialists before visiting rabies-endemic regions. Specialists can provide verified vaccines and guidance for post-exposure care. Meanwhile, discussions between ATAGI and the vaccine manufacturer continue and are expected to shape final guidance for international travellers, ensuring public health information remains accurate and trustworthy.