The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating five cases of hospitalization due to cardiac or neurological events following vaccination with IXCHIQ, a chikungunya vaccine, among individuals aged 65 and older. This issue was set to be discussed at the postponed meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Clinical trials have shown that IXCHIQ produces a seroresponse rate of at least 96% for a minimum of 6 months following vaccination. However, data on the long-term immune response are still being collected.
While the vaccine has proven effective, common adverse reactions reported in more than 10% of vaccinated individuals include tenderness, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, fever, and nausea. Additionally, some individuals have experienced severe or prolonged chikungunya-like reactions post-vaccination.
Health care providers are advised to assess the benefits and risks of the vaccine with each traveler, considering factors such as age, travel destination, trip duration, and planned activities.
All travelers visiting areas with chikungunya virus transmission are encouraged to take preventive measures against mosquito bites. Although the risk for most U.S. travelers is low, certain groups face a higher risk of infection or severe illness.
The chikungunya vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 18 and older traveling to areas experiencing a chikungunya outbreak. The vaccine may be considered for travelers over 65 years old, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who will have moderate exposure to mosquitoes. And travelers staying in affected areas for a cumulative period of 6 months or more.
Health care providers can use the CDC’s decision tree to determine whether chikungunya vaccination is appropriate for a specific traveler.
Reporting Adverse Events
Healthcare providers are encouraged to report any adverse events potentially linked to the chikungunya vaccine through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), accessible online or via a downloadable PDF form.
For further details, healthcare professionals and the public can refer to the FDA IXCHIQ web page for comprehensive product information.
