This Medical Product Alert relates to the confirmed circulation of falsified versions of Meningitis Vaccines in Niger.
Following a report submitted to the WHO Surveillance and monitoring system for substandard and falsified medical products by the focal point within the Niger Regulatory Authority, increased vigilance is requested for the following lots/batches of vaccines and solvents.
Details and photographs of the products are available here.
No serious adverse reactions linked to these batches of falsified vaccines have been reported at this stage.
Genuine Mencevax is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). These falsified products have not yet been subject to Laboratory analysis. This alert is issued on the basis of inconsistencies in the packaging material and confirmation from GSK that the batch numbers, manufacturing dates, and expiry dates are inconsistent with the genuine product.
WHO recognises the seriousness of the current meningitis outbreak in West Africa and the additional demand for meningitis vaccines. Further information concerning this outbreak is available through the following link: https://covid.comesa.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON439
WHO advises increased vigilance within the supply chains of countries likely to be affected by these falsified products.
It is necessary to ensure that vaccines are obtained from authentic and reliable sources.
If you have any information concerning these batches and/or diluents please report the matter to your Ministry of Public Health / National Medicines Regulatory Authorities.
Ministry of Public Health / National medicines regulatory authorities are asked to immediately notify WHO if these batches are discovered in your country via rapidalert@who.int.
Details and photographs of the products are available here.