The US advises travelers over the age of 60 to refrain from taking the Chikungunya vaccine, considering reports of possible side effects, including heart problems, neurological problems and even death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a notice on May 9th about complications from the vaccine sold under the name ixchiq from the manufacturer, Barneva.
“As of May 7, 2025, 17 serious adverse events, including two that resulted in death, have been reported in individuals aged 62 to 89 who received Ixchiq during post-market use,” the notification warned.
Health Canada has monitored the safety of Ixchiq and said it will take “appropriate action” if new information emerges that can change the vaccine's profit risk profile.
The agency has not issued warnings for use in seniors.
Chikungunya is a virus that is spreading to people due to mosquito bites. It has been discovered primarily in parts of America, Asia and Africa and occasionally occurs in Europe.
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This disease causes symptoms similar to dengue and Zika. Most notably, severe joint pain, which can be particularly high fever and long-lasting. Other symptoms include swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.
Approximately 100-200 cases are reported among US travelers each year.
The latest data from Canadian public health agencies show that as of December 9, 2014, 320 confirmed cases of 159 chikungunya have been identified in Canada among travelers returning from affected regions in both the US and the Asia-Pacific region.
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The vaccine is available in both Canada and the US for travelers heading to countries where they are at high risk of catching Chikunguña. This shot contains a debilitating version of the Chikungunya virus, which can cause symptoms similar to those of Chikungunya disease.
However, last month, a panel of vaccine experts advised the CDC found that six people over the age of 65 (he heard about a survey of six people with other medical problems) became ill with heart or brain symptoms within a week of vaccination.
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One person died of encephalitis. Over ten other similar cases have been reported in people in other countries.
The US advisor then voted to take precautions to people over the age of 65 regarding vaccine intake.
European regulators have also investigated the issue and restricted its use.
“The committee recommends temporarily restricting vaccine use, given that the research on Ixchiq is primarily related to people under the age of 65 and the majority of serious cases of people over the age of 65, the committee recommends temporarily restricting vaccine use,” a statement from the European Medicines Agency said on May 7.
– Use files from Associated Press
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