The USA is advising travellers aged 60 and as much as maintain off on getting the chikungunya vaccine whereas it seems to be into reviews of potential unintended effects, together with coronary heart issues, neurological points and even loss of life.
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) and the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a discover on Might 9 concerning the problems from the vaccine, which is offered underneath the identify Ixchiq from producer Valneva.
“As of May 7, 2025, 17 serious adverse events, including two that resulted in death, have been reported in individuals 62 through 89 years of age who received Ixchiq during postmarketing use globally,” the discover warned.
Well being Canada, for its half, stated it’s monitoring the security of Ixchiq and can take “appropriate action” if new data emerges that might change the vaccine’s benefit-risk profile.
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The company has not issued any warning in opposition to its use in older adults.
Chikungunya is a virus unfold to folks by mosquito bites. It’s largely present in components of the Americas, Asia, and Africa, with the occasional outbreak in Europe.
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The sickness causes signs much like dengue and Zika — most notably a excessive fever and extreme joint ache that may be long-lasting. Different signs embody swelling, muscle aches, headache, nausea, fatigue and a rash.
2:19Health Issues: Well being Canada approves chikungunya vaccine
About 100 to 200 circumstances are reported yearly amongst U.S. travellers.
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The newest information from the Public Well being Company of Canada reveals that as of Dec. 9, 2014, 320 confirmed and 159 possible circumstances of chikungunya have been recognized in Canada amongst travellers coming back from affected areas in each the Americas and the Asia-Pacific area.
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The vaccine is obtainable in each Canada and the U.S. for travellers heading to nations the place the danger of catching chikungunya is larger. The shot accommodates a stay, weakened model of the chikungunya virus and should trigger signs much like these of chikungunya illness.
However final month, a panel of vaccine consultants who advise the CDC heard about an investigation into six folks 65 and older — most of them with different medical issues — who turned in poor health with coronary heart or mind signs lower than per week after vaccination.
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One particular person died from encephalitis. Greater than 10 different related circumstances have been reported in folks from different nations.
The U.S. advisers then voted to situation a precaution for folks 65 and older about getting the vaccine.
European regulators are additionally wanting into the difficulty and proscribing its use.
“Given that studies on Ixchiq mainly involved people below 65 years of age and the vast majority of serious cases concerned people 65 years of age and above, the Committee is temporarily recommending restricting the use of vaccine,” an announcement by the European Medicines Company stated on Might 7.
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— With information from The Related Press
