Cebuanos warned against circulating fake anti-rabies vaccine

Local

A COUNTERFEIT anti-rabies vaccine circulating in Cebu has prompted a public health alert, with authorities warning that instead of protecting people, the product could cause serious harm or even endanger lives.

The Cebu Provincial Government’s Cebu People’s Action Center (CPAC) said in an advisory posted on Tuesday, Oct. 21, the fake vaccine has reportedly reached Tuburan town in Cebu.

The product, identified as “Purified Chick Embryo Cell Culture Rabies Vaccine (Vaxirab N) ≥ 2.5 IU Lyophilized Powder for Solution for Injection (IM/ID),” was found to be counterfeit and unsafe for use.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned in Advisory No. 2024-0823. the public against buying or receiving the fake vaccine, saying it could be ineffective or dangerous.

“Ang mga peke nga bakuna mahimong dili epektibo o makadaot sa lawas, nga mahimong peligroso sa kinabuhi,” the advisory stated.

Through its Facebook post, CPAC urged residents to get vaccinated only at licensed health facilities or government hospitals.

It also advised those who suspect they may have received counterfeit vaccines to report immediately to their local health offices or consult the FDA website for verification.

“Magmatngon ta aron maluwas, maampingan, ug masayod ang atong komunidad,” CPAC said, encouraging vigilance and public awareness to keep communities safe.

As the provincial government’s citizen assistance and response center, CPAC has been using social media to circulate official advisories on health, safety, and disaster concerns.

The recent alert has drawn public attention, with residents sharing and amplifying the warning to prevent the spread of the fake vaccine.

Meanwhile, regional health authorities echoed the call for caution.

Dr. Faith Ronolo-Curaraton, Family Section Head of the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH 7), said that counterfeit vaccines and unregulated medicines continue to surface in pharmacies that do not require prescriptions.

“Daghan kaayong mga nareceive nga [nagkaexperience] of adverse effect, and once amoa gitan-aw where do they buy? They buy it in certain drugstores nga dili mangayo og resita... Be careful lang gyud ta,” she said.

She explained that self-medicating or using unverified products can cause adverse effects and undermine legitimate vaccination programs.

Health officials warned that these counterfeit items may contain harmful substances or lack proper formulation, leaving people unprotected from serious diseases.

The DOH 7 continues to boost its immunization campaigns, including the school-based Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program for girls aged nine to 14, to provide safe and effective protection against cervical cancer.

Authorities reminded the public that avoiding fake medical products is as crucial as participating in legitimate vaccination efforts.

They urged everyone to verify medical sources and report suspicious products to protect themselves and their communities.(MyTVCebu)