DRAP Warns Against Counterfeit Flu Vaccine Batches in Pakistan

Pakistan’s drug regulator has issued nationwide warnings over two falsified influenza vaccine batches reportedly circulating through markets and online channels. Consumers, healthcare professionals, pharmacies and distributors have been instructed to avoid the identified products and report any suspected supplies to the relevant authorities.

The alerts cover Influvac Tetra bearing batch number P13 and Vaxigrip Tetra bearing batch number Y4B34. The warnings apply specifically to these batch numbers and should not be interpreted as a recall of every genuine vaccine sold under the two brand names.

Influvac Tetra batch P13 carries packaging that claims the product was manufactured by Abbott Biologicals in the Netherlands. Verification by the authorised supplier established that the batch was not part of the legitimate supply chain and was therefore classified as spurious or falsified.

The suspect Influvac stock was detected during an investigation in Lahore, where authorities registered a case over its alleged supply. The product was also reportedly being marketed through online channels, increasing the risk of consumers purchasing it outside licensed and traceable pharmaceutical networks.

Vaxigrip Tetra batch Y4B34 carries the name of Sanofi Winthrop Industrie of France. The company’s authorised representative informed authorities that this batch had never been imported or distributed in Pakistan, confirming that products carrying the number in the local market are not legitimate supplies.

The regulator warned that the quality, contents, storage history and effectiveness of falsified vaccines cannot be guaranteed. A counterfeit injection may fail to generate the intended protection against influenza and could expose recipients to contamination, incorrect ingredients or other unknown safety risks.

Provincial drug-control departments and field enforcement teams have been directed to inspect the supply chain and confiscate the identified batches. Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and distributors have also been asked to increase scrutiny of influenza vaccines in their inventories and immediately report suspicious products.

Healthcare professionals should verify batch numbers, packaging and procurement records before administering flu vaccines. Any unexpected reaction, quality defect or suspected counterfeit product should be reported through the national or provincial pharmacovigilance system so authorities can investigate and trace the supply chain.

Consumers should obtain vaccines only from licensed pharmacies, authorised healthcare facilities or recognised vaccination providers. Buyers should check the batch number and packaging, request confirmation that the product came through an approved distributor and ensure that the required cold chain has been maintained.

Anyone who possesses either flagged batch should not use or discard it without professional guidance, as the product may be required for investigation. Individuals who have already received an injection from one of the identified batches should contact a qualified healthcare provider and report any health concerns through the official adverse-event reporting system.

The warning comes during the period when demand for seasonal influenza vaccination typically rises ahead of winter. Reports of limited availability of some genuine brands have increased concern that unverified sellers may exploit shortages by offering falsified or improperly stored products.

Enforcement teams will now attempt to identify the origin, distribution routes and remaining stock of the counterfeit batches. The effectiveness of the response will depend on rapid confiscation, cooperation from pharmacies and healthcare facilities, and consumers avoiding unlicensed sellers.