The U.S. government has issued a warning for American travelers aged 60 and older regarding the chikungunya vaccine, Valneva’s Ixchiq, as it investigates potential side effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released notices about the vaccine late last week.
Chikungunya is transmitted through infected mosquito bites and is characterized by fever and joint pain, with around 100 to 200 cases reported annually among U.S. travelers. The government previously recommended the vaccine for adults traveling to areas where chikungunya is prevalent.
However, concerns arose after a panel of vaccine experts advising the CDC reviewed cases involving six individuals aged 65 and older who experienced heart or brain symptoms within a week of vaccination. Most of these individuals had pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, over ten similar incidents have been reported internationally, prompting further investigation by European regulators.
As a precaution, U.S. advisers have advised against the vaccine for those aged 65 and older. They also suggested that another chikungunya vaccine, Bavarian Nordic’s Vimkunya, should be made available for individuals aged 12 and older traveling to areas with ongoing outbreaks. The CDC has yet to announce whether it will follow these recommendations.
