Warning - false meningitis vaccine identified in Niger

A false meningitis vaccine is circulating in Niger where an epidemic of meningitis is continuing.

Advice

Travellers who seek vaccination against meningitis in Niger should be cautious. On May 31, the legitimate manufacturer of meningitis vaccine, Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz in Brazil, notified the World Health Organization that a falsified version of the following product was available in Niger:

• Product name: Polysaccharide Meningococcal ACYW Vaccine
• Product batch number: 089UMH002 Z
• Expiry date: 092017
• Date of manufacture: 092014

Since this falsified vaccine will not provide protection, travellers should check the vaccine vial carefully before accepting vaccination.