Authorities Seize Suspected Fake Rabies Vaccines During Operation in Some Drugstores in Aurora
The Food and Drug Administration found suspected fake rabies vaccines during an operation in several drugstores across Baler, Aurora
On Tuesday (February 10, 2026), FDA carried out an operation in Baler, Aurora after reports surfaced that some drugstores near a hospital were allegedly selling fake rabies vaccines. The inspection took place following the death of an eight-year-old child who reportedly died from rabies.
Rabies is a serious disease that can be prevented through proper vaccination. However, once symptoms appear or if a person does not receive a legitimate vaccine right away, the chances of survival become very low. It makes access to safe and effective vaccines extremely important.
During the operation, FDA personnel discovered suspected fake anti-rabies vaccines labeled as Equirab. One drugstore was unable to show documents proving that the vaccines they were selling were authentic.
Other establishments were found to have no authorization to sell vaccines at all. Inspectors also saw that some vaccines were stored in ordinary household refrigerators, placed beside non-medical products.
Vaccines require proper cold storage equipment to maintain their safety and effectiveness. Improper storage can damage the vaccine and make it unsafe for use.
All vaccines found during the inspection, including the suspected fake ones, were confiscated for further examination. The following day, the FDA tracked down the alleged distributor of the vaccines in Nueva Ecija.
The distributor also failed to present documents showing where the vaccines came from and did not have proper storage facilities for high-risk products like vaccines.
The FDA warned the public about the dangers of buying fake or unauthorized vaccines. Receiving an ineffective vaccine can put a patient’s life at risk and may lead to serious complications or even death.
The agency advised people to buy vaccines only from authorized establishments and to make sure they are administered by licensed health professionals.
READ ALSO: DOH Conducts Probe on Fake Rabies Vaccines Circulating in PH Markets
