How To Identify Fake COVID-19 Vaccines? Check Out Govt Guidelines

New Delhi: There have been cases of fake vaccines being administered in some places in India.

Even the World Health Organization (WHO) said recently it has identified counterfeit versions of Covishield in south-east Asia and Africa.

To tackle the menace, the Union government has issued guidelines to help beneficiaries identify whether they are being given authentic COVID-19 vaccines.

India started its vaccination programme in January with Serum Institute of India-manufactured Covishield and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. Russian vaccine Sputnik V was later given emergency use approval.

The Centre has shared a list of parameters based on label, colour and other details to check authenticity of COVID vaccines, Hindustan Times reported.

Following are the various parameters to be checked:

COVISHIELD

* The label shade is dark green, colour of aluminium flip-off seal dark green

* Brand name with the trademark mentioned on original vaccine

* The lettering is printed in special white ink

* Text font of the Generic name is not in bold

* Overprinted with ‘CGS NOT FOR SALE’

* SII logo printed at a unique angle and position which can be identified by only those aware of exact details

* Entire label has been given a special honeycomb effect, visible only at a specific angle

* Honeycomb design altered slightly at strategic locations and certain additional special elements added to the texture design. They are not visible to general public but those who know about subtle changes can check and verify authenticity of label and vial

COVAXIN

* There is an invisible UV helix or DNA-like structure on the label which is only visible under UV light

* Micro text hidden in the label claims Dots, which is written as Covaxin

* There is a green foil effect in X of Covaxin

* There is a holographic effect on Covaxin

SPUTNIK V

* There are different labels for two bulk manufacturing sites where the Russian vaccine is produced. All other information and design are same except manufacturer’s name

* English label is there only on front and back of the carton of 5 ampoule pack for all imported products so far. All other sides, including primary label on vaccine ampoule, is in Russian script.