Rabies Vaccine Was Actually Just Water, Rhode Island Officials Warn

A recent shipment of rabies vaccine included vials of sterile water, two Rhode Island agencies warned.

"This vaccine was received by veterinarians, including veterinarians in Rhode Island," between Sept. 29 and Jan. 8, according to a media release issued by the Rhode Island Departments of Health and Environmental Management.

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The departments alerted "pet owners, animal control officers, and municipal clerks that a shipment of rabies vaccine is being recalled because some vials in that shipment may have contained sterile water instead of rabies vaccine," the release said.

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The recalled vaccine was made by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, according to the release, and has an expiration date of March 12, 2027.

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"Any animal that was vaccinated with this lot will not be considered currently vaccinated for rabies management or dog licensing purposes," the release said. "Any pet that was administered this recalled product should be revaccinated against rabies. There are no health concerns for pets with being administered sterile water or with being readministered (the) rabies vaccine."

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Veterinarians who received the affected vaccine shipment have been notified by the manufacturer., according to the release, and have been instructed to contact the owners of pets that were administered this product.

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