Warning against counterfeit COVID-19 mRNA vaccine "Comirnaty"
The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine "Comirnaty concentrate for dispersion for injection" is centrally authorised throughout the European Union since December 21, 2020 for active immunisation to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, in individuals 16 years of age and older. The marketing authorisation holder is "BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH", "Pfizer Corporation Austria Ges.m.b.H." is responsible for the distribution of the vaccine in Austria.
Based on specific indications, a warning is issued that counterfeit vaccine is offered for sale on the internet and directly by telephone.
Austria's situation
The original, safe and effective vaccine "Comirnaty" is exclusively supplied to the vaccination sites in Austria by "Pfizer Corporation Austria Ges.m.b.H." within the framework of the COVID-19 vaccination programme of the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection.
BASG recommendations
The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine "Comirnaty" is currently (as of February 5, 2021) not available on the open market. All offers on the private market are counterfeits. The administration or injection of products with unknown contents, unknown concentration and unknown origin poses a significant health risk; any adverse reaction that may occur may not be detected or detected too late or cannot be treated adequately. In this context, please also note the following information from the Federal Office for Safety in Health Care (BASG) regarding the purchase of medicines on the Internet and the purchase of medicines from illegal websites.
Recommendations for patients
If you have any information regarding this or other possibly illegal products for treating COVID-19, please report this directly to the office responsible for combating illegality (Enforcement Section) of the Federal Office for Safety in Health Care (BASG) at enforcement@basg.gv.at.
Further information
Österreichische Apothekerkammer: Corona-Impfstoffe im Internet: Apothekerkammer warnt
PHARMIG: Warnung vor gefälschten COVID-19-Arzneimitteln und Impfungen
Further inquiry note (technical): enforcement@basg.gv.at
Further inquiry note (for media): presse-basg@basg.gv.at
