RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) has sent State Secretariats an alert about the potential adulteration of CoronaVac vaccines, used in the immunization against Covid-19.
Since May, ANVISA has been investigating a possible case of falsification that occurred in Maranhão. According to the investigation, an empty vaccine vial was reused for the introduction of an unknown liquid. A tampered seal was also used.
As a safety measure, the agency recommended that health professionals assigned to administer vaccines should check that the vials received by the Butantan Institute are intact.
In addition, empty vials should be permanently discarded. Potential irregularities found should be reported through the Notification System for Health Surveillance (NOTIVISA).