IXCHIQ chikungunya vaccine: updates to restrictions of use

Following a safety review, the MHRA has published details of new precautions and contraindications for IXCHIQ

IXCHIQ is a live attenuated chikungunya vaccine, it became available on the UK market on 18 June 2025. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has completed a safety review of the benefits and risks of the vaccine following global reports of serious adverse events in older people, and individuals with underlying chronic conditions. The CHM has recommended the following [1]:

• Health professionals should conduct a comprehensive benefit risk assessment prior to vaccination. This assessment should be conducted by healthcare professionals with training in the benefit risk assessments of live vaccines.
• IXCHIQ should not be used in adults over the age of 60 years.
• IXCHIQ should not be used in individuals with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and/or chronic kidney disease.
• Precaution is advised when considering vaccination in individuals who have two or more underlying health conditions.
• The vaccine remains contraindicated for all immunosuppressed and immunodeficient individuals, with IgA deficiency and history of thymus disorder or thymectomy added to the list of example immunodeficiencies.
• IXCHIQ should be given no later than 30 days prior to travel.
• All patients who have received the vaccine should receive the manufacturer's Patient Information Leaflet as part of the travel consultation and advised to seek emergency medical attention if they develop signs or symptoms associated with viraemia, including arthralgia, or neurological symptoms which may indicate encephalitis.

The product information for IXCHIQ will be updated to reflect these changes.

For further details, please see the Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) publication IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine: updates to restrictions of use following safety review.

Suspected adverse reactions associated with the IXCHIQ vaccine should be reported to the MHRA on a on a Yellow Card and to Valneva UK Ltd Medical Information department on Tel: 01506 446608 or via email: safety@valneva.com.