Sat Dec 27 07:13:44 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Australia has issued a health advisory cautioning travelers who received the Abhayrab anti-rabies vaccine in India after November 1, 2023, to consider the vaccination invalid due to concerns about counterfeit batches. Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), the vaccine’s manufacturer, has responded, stating that the counterfeit batch (KA24014), identified in early January 2025, is no longer on the market. IIL emphasizes that this was an isolated incident and that all vaccines undergo rigorous testing by the Central Drugs Laboratory before release. The company has also reassured healthcare professionals and the public that supplies through government channels and authorized distributors are safe and of standard quality. They have contacted the Australian advisory group. This follows earlier warnings from the CDC about rabies risks for travelers to India and Haiti.
News Article:
Indian Vaccine Maker Refutes Australian Rabies Vaccine Advisory
NEW DELHI – December 27, 2025 – Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has strongly refuted an Australian health advisory concerning its Abhayrab anti-rabies vaccine, following concerns about counterfeit batches circulating in India.
Earlier this week, Australian health authorities warned travelers vaccinated in India after November 1, 2023, to consider their vaccinations invalid and seek revaccination. The advisory stemmed from reports of a counterfeit Abhayrab batch, identified as Batch No. KA24014 (manufacturing date: March 2024; expiry date: February 2027).
IIL issued a statement on Saturday, December 27, 2025, clarifying the situation. The company stated that the counterfeit batch was identified in early January 2025 and has been removed from the market. They stressed that this was an isolated incident.
“We want to reassure healthcare professionals and the public that all Abhayrab vaccines distributed through government institutions and authorized distributors are safe and of standard quality,” said Sunil Tiwari, Vice President & Head of Quality Management at IIL.
IIL further emphasized that every batch of vaccine manufactured in India is tested and released by the Central Drugs Laboratory (Government of India) before it is made available for sale or administration.
The company has also contacted the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation to address their concerns, highlighting that Abhayrab is manufactured in accordance with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant pharmacopeial standards.
The clarification comes amidst heightened global awareness of rabies risks, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuing separate health warnings earlier this month for travelers to India and Haiti. The CDC advised travelers to avoid contact with animals in both countries. Rabies is a deadly viral disease preventable with prompt medical care. IIL has been manufacturing Abhayrab since 2000, supplying over 210 million doses across India and 40 countries.
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