‘Fake’ Indian rabies vaccine row: Why have Australia, US, UK raised concerns about the jab?

Australia, the US, and UK have issued advisories about counterfeit Abhayrab rabies vaccines circulating in India since November 2023, warning that recipients may not be fully protected. The vaccine maker, IIL, called the advisories over-cautious, stating the counterfeit batch was isolated, quickly removed, and that all genuine batches are tested for safety. Experts warn that such advisories could fuel vaccine hesitancy in India, where rabies remains a major public health concern, causing around 20,000 deaths annually.