Anti-rabies vaccines are of standard quality, no need to worry, assures Health Minister Veena George

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has informed that Central Drugs Laboratory has certified that the anti-rabies vaccines sent for testing are of standard quality. Earlier, Central Drugs Lab at Kasauli had certified that the anti-rabies vaccine was of good quality. The vaccine was again sent for testing at the Central Drugs Lab to address public concern as rabies deaths were reported in vaccinated people. Recently the immunoglobulin sent to the central lab has also been certified of having standard quality.

With this, the Central Drugs Lab has certified that the vaccine and immunoglobulin used for the prevention of rabies are of standard quality. ‘Anti-rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin are the best defence against rabies. Therefore, there is no need to worry’, stated the minister. Vaccines and serums which have been tested at the Central Drugs Laboratory and have quality certificates were given to the 5 people who died after being bitten by dogs. Immunoglobulin with two batch numbers and anti-rabies vaccine with one batch number were sent directly to the central laboratory at Kasauli for testing to address public concerns regarding rabies deaths despite vaccination. Both have been certified of having standard quality on inspection.