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Counterfeit Rabies Vaccines: The Philippine Experience
Karl Evans R Henson1,2, Anthony Aldrin C Santiago3, Sherilyne S Namqui4
1Hospital Infection Control and Epidemiology Center, The Medical City, Pasig City, Philippines.
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|August 29, 2020
Summary
Counterfeit rabies vaccines infiltrated a Philippine hospital, impacting over 1700 patients. While no adverse events were reported, this highlights the critical need for robust supply chain security and stakeholder collaboration to prevent vaccine fraud.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- A large tertiary hospital in the Philippines identified counterfeit rabies vaccines in its supply chain in December 2018.
- The infiltration occurred over a period of approximately one year, affecting legitimate vaccine supplies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the discovery and management of counterfeit rabies vaccines within a hospital setting.
- To emphasize the importance of supply chain integrity and collaborative efforts in combating pharmaceutical counterfeiting.
Main Methods:
- Quarantine and surrender of suspected counterfeit vials to regulatory authorities (Philippine Food and Drug Administration).
- Recall, evaluation, and revaccination of patients potentially exposed to counterfeit products.
- Laboratory analysis of counterfeit vaccine vials to determine composition and safety.
Main Results:
- Two batches of counterfeit rabies vaccines were identified, impacting the supply chain between December 2017 and December 2018.
- Out of 1711 potentially affected patients, 1397 were contacted, and 734 received at least one dose of authentic vaccine.
- Counterfeit vials were sterile, contained the active antirabies ingredient, and posed no toxic risk; no rabies infections or adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- The incident underscores the vulnerability of healthcare supply chains to counterfeit products.
- A multi-stakeholder approach involving government, industry, institutions, and consumers is essential to eradicate pharmaceutical counterfeiting.
- Proactive measures and vigilance are crucial for patient safety and maintaining public trust in vaccination programs.
