Safety Concerns Prompt Pause on Chikungunya Vaccine (IXCHIQ) for Older Adults
- Virtual Wellness Voyage
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
In a recent update, U.S. health authorities have recommended pausing the use of the Ixchiq vaccine—a live attenuated vaccine for chikungunya virus—in adults 60 years and older. This decision follows reports of serious side effects, including neurologic and cardiac issues, in a small number of older individuals.
🩺 What’s Happening?
The FDA and CDC are currently reviewing postmarketing data after 17 serious adverse events (including two deaths) were reported globally among people aged 62 to 89 who received Ixchiq. Most of these individuals had underlying medical conditions.
Until the safety review is complete, the vaccine is not recommended for people 60 and over in the U.S.
🌍 International Response
Over in Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is also conducting a safety review. For now, they’ve formally contraindicated Ixchiq for adults 65 and older, meaning it should not be given to that age group. They also caution against using the vaccine in anyone with a weakened immune system, regardless of age.
💉 What Is Ixchiq?
Ixchiq was approved in the U.S. in November 2023 and more recently in Canada and Europe. It’s designed to protect adults 18 and older against the chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, joint pain, and in some cases, long-term complications.
Single dose (0.5 mL intramuscular injection)
Contains live, weakened chikungunya virus
Can cause side effects similar to the disease itself
⚠️ What You Should Know
80,000 doses have been distributed globally.
In clinical trials, about 1.6% of recipients experienced severe, chikungunya-like side effects.
Some side effects lasted over a month and required hospital care.
🇨🇦 What About Canada?
Health Canada is aware of the situation and is monitoring vaccine safety closely. They have not issued restrictions yet, but may take further action based on new evidence.
Bottom Line: If you or a loved one is 60 years or older, feel free to speak to healthcare providers like us before receiving the Ixchiq vaccine. As always, decisions around vaccines should balance the risks and benefits, especially for those with existing health conditions.
Stay informed and consult medical professionals with any questions.
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