Vaccine scandal leads to new legislation

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Rabies can often be fatal, and people have high expectations from vaccines that could prevent the disease. So, when the news broke on July 15, that Changchun Changsheng, China's second largest rabies vaccine manufacturer, faked its production records, it quickly caught public attention.

Just four days later, the company was fined for another batch of substandard vaccines for infants and young children. What followed was public outcry.

A mother shows a snapshot of her child's vaccination record which documents a few shots of vaccines by Changchun Changsheng as well. /CGTN Photo

The substandard vaccines by Changchun Changsheng were meant to protect children against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, and even though authorities said the drugs would only be ineffective, not harmful, it was a nerve-wracking moment for many parents who found out their children had gotten the bad dose.

The ones who spoke with CGTN expressed anxiety, fury and even paranoia.

They doubted the safety and effectiveness of other vaccines produced by Changchun Changsheng; and they hesitated over whether they should get a remedial shot or not.

The director of a community health center in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, talks about what measures were being taken to address parents' concerns. /CGTN Photo

When there is an erosion of public trust, bigger crisis could ensue. In the wake of the scandal, China's top legislature is deliberating a draft law on vaccine management that specifies severe punishment for future violators.

The draft legislation makes it clear that vaccinations are for the good of the public, and there will be stricter regulations regarding licensing, production, and even circulation and distribution.

For companies in the vaccine industry, this could be a game-changer.

But for the general public, this might be what they need to restore, their trust in vaccinations.