Health authorities required to provide information, observation for rabies vaccines recipients

BEIJING - Health authorities and healthcare institutions across China must provide observation and consultation services for people who have received rabies vaccines from Changchun Changsheng Life Sciences Ltd., according to a statement issued by the National Health Commission (NHC) Tuesday.

The measure is aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of the public and protecting the legitimate rights of vaccine recipients, the NHC said in the statement.

Clearly marked information desks should be set up in vaccination clinics, with experienced medical staff available to answer questions and provide follow-up tests and treatment for vaccine recipients, according to the statement.

A State Council investigation team has stepped up efforts to investigate the affected human rabies vaccines. A recall has been launched for rabies vaccines produced by Changchun Changsheng in both the domestic and overseas markets.

Investigators found the company had violated rules on production management and national drug standards for the vaccines from as early as April 2014. The violations included blending expired fluids to produce certain products and falsifying production dates.