Watchdog To Probe Sale Of Fake HPV Vaccines

The Ombudsman said on Thursday it will look into the sale of fake human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines last year to see whether and how the government’s monitoring mechanism can be improved.

Dozens of fake vaccines were seized last year following complaints from patients who had paid thousands of dollars to protect themselves from various diseases including cervical cancer.

Tests subsequently found that the products were not HPV vaccines at all, but contained ingredients commonly found in saline solution.

Authorities also found that the samples may have even been contaminated by microbes, which can endanger the health of people who receive the jabs.

A doctor of a private clinic found to have stocked the counterfeit vaccines was in June sentenced to four months in prison.

In a statement, Ombudsman Winnie Chiu said it is essential to ensure the quality and safety of vaccines, and the government must properly play its gatekeeping role to prevent substandard or counterfeit products from reaching the market and potentially jeopardising public health.

Currently, the health and customs departments are jointly responsible for enforcing the ordinances that regulate the importation and sale of vaccines here.

Chiu said the investigation will explore ways to improve the existing monitoring mechanism.