U.S. Advises Older Travelers to Avoid Chikungunya Vaccine

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U.S. health officials are telling travelers aged 60 and older to avoid a chikungunya vaccine while they investigate possible side effects.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the warning late last week.

The concern focuses on the Valneva vaccine, known as Ixchiq, The Associated Press reported. Valneva is a specialty vaccine developer based in France.

Chikungunya is a tropical illness spread by mosquito bites. It causes fever and painful joints. About 100 to 200 U.S. travelers get the illness each year.

The government previously recommended the vaccine for adults traveling to areas where chikungunya may be common, including countries in Central and South America, Asia, India and Africa. The vaccine uses a weakened version of the virus.

The AP reported that a panel of CDC advisers recently learned of six seniors who developed serious heart or brain symptoms within a week of vaccination. Most had other health problems. 

Officials also received reports of more than 10 similar cases in other countries.

European regulators are also investigating, AP reported.

A CDC advisory panel has now urged caution for adults aged 65 and older considering the Ixchiq vaccine. 

They also recommended a second vaccine, Vimkunya by Bavarian Nordic, for people 12 and older traveling to areas with chikungunya outbreaks.

CDC officials have not yet made a final decision on the new recommendations.

More information

The World Health Organization has more on chikungunya.

SOURCE: The Associated Press, May 12, 2025

Source: HealthDay

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