LAHORE – Punjab health authorities have issued a warning to citizens seeking flu vaccinations after counterfeit vaccines were discovered in several markets across the province.
The alert comes amid a rise in flu cases attributed to changing weather conditions and smog, raising concerns about the availability of fake vaccines in the local market.
The Punjab Health Department has formally informed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) about the suspected supply of counterfeit influenza vaccines.
Reports citing sources within DRAP said the drug regulatory authority conducted an operation in Lahore following a confidential tip-off and seized a large quantity of fake flu vaccines.
Two suspects allegedly involved in selling the counterfeit products were arrested during the operation. A case has been registered against them under the Drugs Act 1976, and legal proceedings have been initiated.
The counterfeit vaccines were manufactured and packaged under the name of multinational pharmaceutical company Abbott Pharma. The packaging reportedly carried an address identifying the company as “Abbott Pharma India.”
Authorities have also received information indicating that the suspected counterfeit vaccines may have been supplied to markets in other parts of Punjab.
In view of the potential spread of the products, DRAP is expected to issue a rapid alert across the province to warn the public about the suspected fake vaccines.
Health authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution when purchasing flu vaccines and to obtain them only from authorised and licensed pharmacies.
