The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and state health departments issued an urgent public health alert on December 22, 2025, regarding counterfeit rabies vaccines in India.1 Travellers who received the vaccine Abhayrab in India anytime since November 1, 2023, are being warned that their doses may be invalid, leaving them unprotected against a disease that is 100% fatal once symptoms appear.
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The Fake Vaccine Crisis
The alert follows the discovery of falsified versions of Abhayrab (manufactured by Indian Immunologicals Limited) circulating in major Indian hubs, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow.3 These counterfeit doses often mimic genuine batch numbers, specifically Batch No. KA24014, but differ in chemical composition and packaging.4 Australian authorities have deemed it impossible for a layperson to distinguish between the two, leading to a recommendation for total revaccination.
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Key Figures: Counterfeit Rabies Vaccine Alert (2025)
| Feature | Details |
| Affected Brand | Abhayrab (Human Anti-Rabies Vaccine) |
| Affected Period | November 1, 2023, to present day |
| Suspect Batch | KA24014 (Mfg: March 2024, Exp: Feb 2027) |
| Major Cities Hit | Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow |
| ATAGI Advice | Consider doses Invalid and seek replacement |
| Recommended Brands | Rabipur or Verorab (Australia-registered) |
Manufacturer vs. Advisory: A Clash of Claims
On December 27, 2025, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) issued a strong rebuttal to the Australian advisory, calling it “over-cautionary and misplaced.”
The Manufacturer’s Stand: IIL claims they proactively identified a “packaging anomaly” in only one specific batch (KA24014) in January 2025 and that the counterfeit product is no longer on shelves.
The Global Response: Despite IIL’s reassurances, health agencies in Australia, the UK, and the USA are conducting “look-back” exercises to find travellers who may have received ineffective treatment, citing a rabies death earlier this year linked to a traveller from India.
Action Plan for Travellers
If you or a family member received a rabies shot in India during the specified period:
Consult a Professional: Contact a GP or a local public health unit immediately.
Verify Documentation: Check for the brand name “Abhayrab” or any photos of the packaging/batch numbers.
Get Replacement Doses: ATAGI recommends starting or completing a valid course with Australia-registered vaccines (Rabipur or Verorab).
Blood Testing: In some cases, clinicians may request a serology test to check for rabies antibody levels.
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Conclusion
This alert highlights the severe risks of medical counterfeiting in high-burden regions.11 While the probability of infection remains low for the average traveller, the “fatal nature” of rabies makes it a zero-risk scenario. Travellers are urged to avoid all contact with stray animals in India and complete pre-exposure vaccination before departure.
Disclaimer: This report is based on current health alerts from the Australian Government (ATAGI) and official statements from Indian Immunologicals Limited as of December 27, 2025.13 Medical advice should be sought only from qualified healthcare professionals.
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