The vaccinations started in India in January 2021 and a good number of our population has been vaccinated. On Tuesday evening, it was recorded that more than 8.81 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in just a span of 24 hours. The Union Health Ministry has said that this is the highest inoculations in a day since the time vaccinations have begun.
WHO has said that despite the efforts of the government to reach genuine vaccines to all its citizens using a transparent procurement & supply systems and CoWin platform, global surveillance & monitoring system for substandard & fake medical products identified fake Covishield vaccines are reaching in India and Uganda.
While this being said, WHO has reportedly warned that fake Covishield vaccines are also being used in India. They’ve shared a picture along to show what the fake vaccine looks like.
“Genuine Covishield vaccine is indicated for active immunization of individuals 18 years or older for the prevention of coronavirus disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The use of genuine COVID-19 vaccines should be in accordance with official guidance from national regulatory authorities,” the WHO said.
To ensure that correct and real vaccines reach all citizens of India, WHO has asked the government to increase vigilance on hospitals, clinics, health centers, distributors, wholesalers, pharmacies, and other suppliers of medical products.
This can eventually become a serious health problem as it can put global public health at risk. People not receiving correct doses of the vaccine will again be vulnerable to this virus.
“It is important to detect and remove these falsified products from circulation to prevent harm to patients,” said WHO.
The CoWin platform is obviously not yet equipped to handle the exact logistics of vaccine distribution as that part of the process takes place offline and in various stages. The Cowin website can only take note of the batch number at the time of vaccination. This can only ensure that the beneficiary knows which vaccine has been administered to them.
Products were identified as fake on the basis that they fraudulently misrepresent their identity, composition, and source. For instance, in India, Covishield 2ml was identified even though SII does not produce the vaccine in 2ml (four doses). In Uganda, Covishield with Batch 4121Z040 and expiry date of 10.08.2021 was reported that SII confirmed to be fake.
WHO has advised that all medical products must be obtained from authorized or licensed suppliers, and the authenticity and physical condition have to be carefully checked. It has even urged people to not use any kind of fake products in case they are in possession of them.
In case anyone has used the fake ones and is still suffering from adverse reactions, then they should seek immediate medical help and report the incident to the national regulatory authorities.
