A follow-up inoculation plan was issued Tuesday by the National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Drug Administration for people who have received rabies vaccines from Changchun Changsheng Bio-tech Co.
According to the plan, those who have received the vaccines but have not gone through the entire inoculation procedure can continue to receive valid vaccines from other companies for free at vaccination institutions to complete the procedure.
Those who have completed the procedure with the vaccines in question and still want reinoculation can get it for free after being informed by vaccination institutions about prevention and control, the functions of the vaccines and post-inoculation tips.
The plan states that for those who received the vaccines in question less than a year ago, vaccination institutions provide tracking, observation and advisory services. If those who received the vaccines more than a year ago report abnormalities, health authorities will continue to provide services.
Also on Tuesday, the NHC issued a statement, requiring health authorities and healthcare institutions across the country to provide observation and consultation services for people who have received rabies vaccines from the company.
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.
The incubation period of rabies normally varies from one to three months, rarely surpassing a year, according to a World Health Organization report in April.
Investigators found the company had violated rules on production management and national drug standards for the vaccines starting as early as April 2014.
The violations included blending expired fluids to produce certain products and falsifying production dates.
(Xinhua)