Jahnavi Sarma
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Written By: Jahnavi Sarma | Updated : August 18, 2021 11:15 AM IST
Fake COVID-19 vaccines pose a serious risk to global public health and place an additional burden on vulnerable populations and health systems.
According to an alert issued by the World Health Organisation, fake versions of Covishield, the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine, have been identified in Africa and South East Asia. The falsified products were reported to WHO in July and August 2021. The genuine manufacturer of Covishield , the Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., has also confirmed this saying that the products listed in this alert are falsified. These falsified products have been reported at the patient level in Uganda and India.
Fake COVID-19 vaccines pose a serious risk to global public health and place an additional burden on vulnerable populations and health systems. It is important to detect and remove these falsified products from circulation to prevent harm to patients, said the WHO circular. The products identified in this alert are confirmed as falsified on the basis that they deliberately/ fraudulently misrepresent their identity, composition or source. It is to be noted that Covishield 2ml was found in the Indian and Ugandan market. But SII does not produce this vaccine in 2ml (4 doses).
WHO requests increased vigilance within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these falsified products. Hospitals, clinics, health centers, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, and any other suppliers of medical products must be vigilant and identify these fake products. All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products' authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
If you have used these products, or you suffered an adverse reaction/event having used these products, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional and to report the incident to the National Regulatory Authorities/National Pharmacovigilance Centre. National regulatory / health authorities are advised to immediately notify WHO if these falsified products are discovered in their country.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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