Falsified COVID-19 vaccine recently identified in Mexico

A falsified COVID-19 Vaccine, called BNT162b2, has been identified in the WHO region of the Americas (specifically Mexico), according to the WHO.

In a recent WHO Medical Product Alert, the above-mentioned product was confirmed as a falsified vaccine, which was supplied and administered to patients outside authorised vaccination programmes.

The WHO has expressed concern that "this falsified COVID-19 Vaccine may still be in circulation in the region and may continue to be offered to patients outside authorized vaccination programs".

The organisation added that a laboratory analysis of the contents of the falsified COVID-19 vaccine is pending, and that this Medical Product Alert will be updated once results are available.

The vaccine product identified in this alert was confirmed as falsified on the basis that it deliberately/fraudulently misrepresents identity, composition, or source - including:

• the genuine manufacturer of COVID-19 Vaccine BNT162b2 (i.e. Pfizer BIONTECH) confirmed they did not manufacture the product;

• the batch number (i.e. lot number 783201) and expiry dates (i.e. Aug 2024) are falsified;

• the glass vials and label are different from genuine COVID-19 Vaccine BNT162b2 vials.

The WHO is advising regulatory authorities and the public to increase vigilance within the supply chains1 of countries and regions likely to be affected by these falsified products. All medical products must be obtained from authorised or licensed suppliers, and the authenticity and physical condition of the product should be carefully checked (or if in doubt, seek advice from a healthcare professional). Anyone in possession of the falsified COVID-19 vaccine is advised not to use them.