Introduction to Ixchiq Vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted approval for the Ixchiq vaccine, the first of its kind designed to protect against the chikungunya virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. This vaccine is particularly aimed at individuals aged 18 and above who may face exposure to this emerging global health threat.

FDA and CDC Warning for Older Adults

Despite the vaccine’s approval, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a safety advisory on May 9, advising adults older than 60 to refrain from receiving Ixchiq. This recommendation is due to serious health complications reported in some individuals post-vaccination, including neurologic and cardiac events, with two cases resulting in fatalities.

“While the safety of Ixchiq for use in individuals 60 years of age and older is being further assessed, FDA and CDC are recommending a pause in use of the vaccine in this age group,” the agencies stated.

Reported Adverse Effects

The safety notices stem from reports involving 17 serious adverse events linked to the vaccine, primarily affecting older adults aged 62 to 89. Notable events included encephalitis, which led to one death.

• Serious adverse event reports included:
• Neurologic complications
• Cardiac complications
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Chikungunya Virus and Symptoms

The chikungunya virus, considered an “emerging global health threat,” has recorded over five million cases globally in the past 15 years. It exhibits symptoms akin to other mosquito-borne illnesses, including:

• Fever
• Severe joint pain
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Rash

While many individuals recover within a week, some may experience debilitating joint pain lasting months.

Ongoing Safety Evaluations

The FDA will continue to evaluate safety reports concerning the Ixchiq vaccine, particularly focusing on the older population. An updated benefit-risk assessment is set to be conducted to guide future recommendations.