Beware of Counterfeit COVID Vaccines Sold Online
COFEPRIS Issues Health Alert on Fake Comirnaty Vaccine
The general public and healthcare professionals are being warned about the potential dangers of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines being sold illegally online. This urgent alert follows confirmation from the World Health Organization (WHO) that a specific batch of Comirnaty vaccine (BNT162B2), with lot number 567201 and an expiration date of January 26th, is not recognized by Pfizer Global Security.
Unverified Vaccines Pose Serious Health Risks
Since there is no official record of this specific batch number, its origin, manufacturing conditions, handling, storage, and temperature control remain unknown. This lack of transparency poses a significant risk to public health, as it cannot be guaranteed that the vaccine is stable, effective, or safe.
Online Counterfeit Market: A Growing Threat
The illegal sale of medicine online is a growing concern, increasing the likelihood of encountering counterfeit, adulterated, contaminated, or stolen medication. In some cases, these products might even be medical samples, drugs destined for destruction, or products smuggled into the country.
Using these unregulated products can have severe consequences:
Potential Dangers of Counterfeit Medicines:
- Aggravate existing medical conditions
- Increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in the case of antibiotic medications
- Trigger the development of new diseases or lead to life-threatening complications
- Cause adverse reactions
COFEPRIS Provides Public Safety Recommendations
To protect yourself and your loved ones, COFEPRIS urges you to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medical products online and recommends the following:
Stay Safe: Online Vaccine Purchase Precautions
- Never buy vaccines or medications from social media platforms, online marketplaces, or any other internet site, especially if a medical evaluation, prescription, or professional supervision is required. Be wary of unusually low prices compared to established market rates.
- Avoid using or acquiring products that are not in Spanish or lack a valid health registration number. If you have doubts about the authenticity of a product, contact the registration holder to verify its legitimacy.
- If you have already used the aforementioned product and have experienced any adverse reactions or discomfort, please report it immediately to [email protected].
Protecting Public Health: Guidelines for Healthcare Providers and Pharmacies
Healthcare providers, distributors, and pharmacies should strictly adhere to the following recommendations:
Source medicines solely from authorized distributors recognized and validated by the company holding the health registry. These distributors must possess a valid health license and operating permit granted by COFEPRIS, along with documentation proving the legal acquisition of the products.
What steps can individuals take to avoid purchasing counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines?
## Interview: Be Wary of Counterfeit COVID Vaccines
**Host**: Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Dr. Sarah Lee, an infectious disease specialist, to discuss a very timely and concerning issue: the rise of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines being sold online. Dr. Lee, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Lee**: Thank you for having me. This is a serious public health threat that we need to be aware of.
**Host**: So, we’ve seen warnings from COFEPRIS about a specific batch of Comirnaty vaccine potentially being counterfeit. What should people know about this situation?
**Dr. Lee**: That’s right. WHO has confirmed that a batch of Comirnaty claiming to be lot number 567201 with an expiration date of January 26th is not recognized by Pfizer. This means it’s very likely counterfeit. The risk here is that we simply don’t know what’s in these vials. [[]1](https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj.n2754) It could be anything – a placebo, diluted vaccine, or even something downright harmful.
**Host**: That’s terrifying! Why is the online market for vaccines specifically concerning?
**Dr. Lee**: The online marketplace for medications, in general, is a hotbed for counterfeit goods. It’s much harder to regulate and verify the authenticity of products sold online.
**Host**: So what are the potential dangers of using a counterfeit vaccine?
**Dr. Lee**: It’s simple: you can’t be sure it even works. You could be putting yourself at risk of contracting COVID-19, believing you’re protected. Even worse, these counterfeit vaccines could contain harmful substances that lead to serious health complications.
**Host**: That’s a chilling thought. What advice would you give our viewers on how to protect themselves?
**Dr. Lee**: First and foremost, only get vaccinated through trusted healthcare providers or official vaccination drives. Be skeptical of any offers for vaccines online, especially if the price seems too good to be true. Verify the authenticity of any vaccine you receive with your doctor or pharmacist.
**Host**: Excellent advice, Dr. Lee. Thank you so much for shedding light on this important issue.
**Dr. Lee**: My pleasure. Stay vigilant and stay safe everyone.
