The World Health Organization (WHO) has alerted that counterfeit Covishield vaccine doses have been identified in Uganda and India. Serum Institute of India (SII) manufactures the Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine in India under the brand name Covishield.
"Falsified 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," the global body said in the alert.
The WHO said the vaccine identified in this alert is confirmed as falsified on the basis that it deliberately/fraudulently misrepresent its identity, composition or source.
The Serum Institute of India also confirmed that the doses were fake, it added.
In India, Covishield vials of 2ml were identified as fake after SII said it does not produce the vaccine in 2ml (four doses).
In Uganda, Covishield with Batch 4121Z040 and the expiry date (10.08.2021) was found, which was falsified.
The WHO called for increased vigilance within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these falsified products.
"Increased vigilance should include hospitals, clinics, health centers, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, and any other suppliers of medical products," it said in the advisory.
All medical products must be obtained from authorised or licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked, the WHO added.
In case someone has used and is suffering from adverse reactions, WHO has advised them to seek immediate medical help and report the incident to national regulatory authorities.