Communicated by: Travel Health Pro
In March 2026 the Food and Drug Administration in the Philippines issued advisory notices regarding batches of falsified rabies vaccine (Vaxirab-N and Speeda vaccines) in circulation. The use of falsified products poses a significant threat to public health due to the possibility of lack of efficacy, harmful components and the risk of treatment failure in preventing rabies, a fatal disease.
Rabies is a rare but extremely serious viral infection which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but vaccination and early treatment can prevent it. It can be difficult to determine whether an animal is infected with rabies or not, so cleaning the wound and seeking prompt medical advice after a possible rabies exposure is important.
Advice for travellers
Travellers who received pre-exposure rabies vaccine in the Philippines during this period should contact their travel clinic for advice on whether more vaccine is required.
Avoid contact with all animals.
Following a possible exposure (bite, scratch or lick to broken skin or mucous membranes, e.g. nose, mouth, eyes), clean any wounds thoroughly with soap and water, apply a suitable disinfectant such as 70 percent alcohol or tincture/aqueous solution of povidone-iodine if available and seek an urgent local medical assessment, even if the wound appears trivial. If animal/bat saliva gets into eyes, nose or mouth, wash face thoroughly with clean water as soon as possible and seek an urgent local medical assessment.
Post-exposure treatment and advice should be in accordance with national guidelines.
Travellers should discuss any concerns about the legitimacy of a vaccine with a healthcare provider and should keep a written record of any vaccines they are given abroad. Consider taking a photo of the vaccine product.
Travellers still in the Philippines who think they may have received this falsified vaccine in the Philippines between March 2025 to the present day should seek advice from the centre where they were vaccinated regarding the product they received, and any additional treatment advised.
If travellers have confirmation that they received a different brand of rabies vaccine in the Philippines, then they can be reassured that they will not require additional vaccine.
Travellers who received a complete course of rabies vaccine for post-exposure management of an animal bite or scratch in the Philippines during this period and did not seek any further medical advice upon return, they should contact their travel clinic for advice on whether more vaccine is recommended.