The U.S. government has raised concerns over the chikungunya vaccine Ixchiq (developed by Valneva) for American travelers aged 60 and older, following reports of potential side effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings last week, advising caution for this age group as they investigate adverse events linked to the vaccine.
Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness, causes symptoms like fever and joint pain. In the U.S., there are typically 100 to 200 cases reported annually among travelers to areas where the disease is common. Previously, the vaccine was recommended for adults heading to chikungunya-prone regions, but new concerns have prompted a review.
A panel of vaccine experts advising the CDC reviewed cases involving six individuals aged 65 and older, who experienced heart or brain-related symptoms within a week of receiving the vaccine. These individuals, who often had pre-existing health conditions, have raised alarms. Additionally, over ten similar reports from other countries have caught the attention of European regulators.
As a precaution, U.S. advisers have recommended against administering the Ixchiq vaccine to people aged 65 and older. They also suggested that an alternative chikungunya vaccine, Vimkunya from Bavarian Nordic, should be available to those aged 12 and older traveling to areas with active chikungunya outbreaks. The CDC has not yet announced whether it will adopt these recommendations but continues to monitor the situation closely.
Travelers in the affected age group should consult with healthcare providers before making decisions about vaccination and consider alternative prevention methods for chikungunya if traveling to regions with ongoing outbreaks.
