Rabies Vaccine Recall - Information For Patients
Issue Date: April 17, 2004
Some batches of rabies vaccine have been recalled by the manufacturer, Aventis Pasteur (see their information sheet). This recall has affected many countries not just Australia
In Australia the affected batches are X0713-1, X0074-3, X0074-4 which were in use from about September 03 - April 04. It is currently estimated that about 3500 Australian persons are affected by the recall
If you look in your vaccination book you will see the batch numbers written next to the vaccine.
The recalled batch is proven to work and still protects you from rabies. The problem is that one batch made at the same time as the recalled batches was thrown away as it was contaminated with vaccine virus due to the failure of one of the filters.
WHO policy apparently states that all batches made at the same time should be also be disposed of just in case there was a problem. The manufacturer Aventis is voluntarily recalling the vaccine because they want to do the right thing but there has been no reported problems to date with the recalled batches
CURRENT TESTING OF THE RECALLED BATCHES SHOWED THEY WERE SAFE. NO PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED FROM ANY PERSON GIVEN THE RECALLED BATCH OVER THE LAST 9 MONTHS
It is extremely unlikely that there will be any problem for people who have received the recalled batch however just to be on the safe side person are advised to have a further 2 doses of rabies vaccine - given IMI this should be done ASAP with the second dose due 72 hours or so after the first dose. Some persons may need more than 2 doses
Rabies has a very long incubation period so the extra doses are necessary to ensure long term there are no problems
These extra doseas will cause no more side effects than you had when you had the first course ( i.e. a sore arm is likely )
There will be no charge for you to have this extra vaccine.
In Australia the authorities have now approved the bulk billing of patients who see the doctor for this reason AND The vaccine will be provided free by the manufacturers
You need to lliase the doctor who provided the vaccine for you.
If you are overseas and cannot get to the clinic who gave you the vaccine, you can claim back the cost of your extra shots from Aventis Pasteur. An information sheet is available for patients who have seen us at the Brisbane clinic and been advised to seek vaccination overseas because they are still away.
You need to notify us if you have the shots overseas so they can record that you have had them.
What to do now
Countries affected by Aventis Pasteur rabies vaccine recall
The following rabies vaccine lots are being recalled by Aventis Pasteur:
- Angola / X0713-4
- Australia / X0713-1, X0074-3, X0074-4
- Botswana / X0713-4
- Croatia / X0074-1
- Denmark / X0253-2
- Chad / X0074-1
- Germany / X0071-2, X0253-4
- Hong Kong (China) / X0074-1
- Ireland / X0071-6, X0712-1
- Italy / X0253-6, X0253-8
- Malawi / X0713-4
- Mozambique / X0713-4
- New Zealand / X0713-1, X0074-3, X0074-4
- Netherlands / X0071-3
- Norway / X0253-1
- Nigeria / X0074-1
- Oman / X0074-1, X0074-5
- Spain / X0071-1
- Switzerland / X0071-7, X0253-5, X0253-7
- United Arab Emirates / X0074-1, X0074-5
- United Kingdom / X0071-6
- United States / W1419-2, W1419-3, X0667-2, X0667-3
- Zambia / X0713-4
- Zimbabwe / X0713-4
