THE Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) has warned about counterfeit anti-rabies vaccines being sold in the Davao Region, following a rise in rabies cases.
Dr. Nikko Jay Lagudas, from SPMC’s Department of Internal Medicine, revealed that the hospital’s Animal Bite Center recently caught a nearby pharmacy selling fake vaccines. SPMC’s Pharmacovigilance team is now investigating the counterfeit vaccines and their source.
“There are counterfeit vaccines na isa sa mga ginatan-aw nato karon na naga-cause og problema in the future kay ngano, naay gabaligya og counterfeit vaccines which is mura siya from the original na vaccine (There are counterfeit vaccines circulating, which is concerning because they closely resemble the original ones. This could lead to serious problems in the future),” Lagudas said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw forum on March 24 at SM City Davao.
Cheaper but risky
Lagudas said counterfeit vaccines are sold at a much lower price — costing only ₱1,000 to ₱1,500, compared to the ₱2,000 price tag of authentic ones. However, he warned that these fakes pose a major health risk since their formulation is unknown.
He also said many people opt for cheaper alternatives without realizing the dangers. These counterfeit vaccines may be diluted or ineffective, putting lives at risk.
To distinguish fake vaccines from real ones, Lagudas advised checking the box number, lot number, and vial. Another red flag is the font on the packaging, which differs from the authentic version. Genuine vaccines are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), whereas counterfeits are not.
For now, no counterfeit vaccines have been reported in other municipalities and provinces within the Davao Region. However, the public is urged to buy only from DOH-accredited Animal Bite Centers, where healthcare staff can verify authenticity.
Rising rabies cases
Rabies deaths in the Davao Region surged in 2024, with 36 fatalities recorded, up from 24 in 2023. The Department of Health (DOH-Davao) reported that among the 35 confirmed cases, 23 were linked to domestic animals, while 13 involved strays.
Animal bite incidents also increased, reaching 120,000 cases in 2024, with SPMC alone handling 50,000 cases.
The most alarming increase was in Davao del Norte, where cases spiked by 333 percent. Victims ranged from five to 68 years old.
Vaccine supply
DOH-Davao received ₱8 million worth of anti-rabies vaccines in 2024, equivalent to 7,000 vials. However, for 2025, the region’s allocation has dropped significantly to ₱1 million or just 1,500 vials.
While SPMC still has a stock of anti-rabies vaccines, Lagudas warned that demand is expected to rise due to intense heat, often leading to increased animal aggression. He said they are seeking additional funding to secure more vaccines.
Lagudas also discouraged the use of traditional treatments like “tandok” (a folk remedy believed to extract rabies). He warned that relying on such methods could worsen infections and delay life-saving medical treatment.
He added that the best way to prevent rabies is through proper vaccination. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention and avoid unproven remedies. RGP