MHRA Drug Safety Update: IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine – updates to restrictions of use following safety review

Following the completion of a safety review and the recommendations of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine is no longer indicated for adults over the age of 60 years, and is contraindicated in all individuals with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and/or chronic kidney disease. This action follows very rare fatal reactions, and other serious adverse reactions reported globally last year. In addition, the CHM have advised that the IXCHIQ vaccine should be given no later than 30 days prior to travel.

Advice for Healthcare Professionals

• Chikungunya vaccine (IXCHIQ) is a vaccine to protect against severe Chikungunya virus infection; strict adherence to contraindications and precautions is essential to reduce the risk of very rare but potentially fatal adverse reactions
• a live attenuated Chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ, first became available on the UK market on 18 June 2025
• IXCHIQ vaccine is already contraindicated in all individuals with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression as a result of disease or medical therapy, this includes IgA deficiency, history of thymus disorder or thymectomy
• following a review of the benefits and risks of the vaccine, the CHM has the following further recommendations:
  • do not use this vaccine in adults aged 60 years or over, or in individuals with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and/or chronic kidney disease
  • the vaccine should be given no later than 30 days prior to travel
  • in addition, a comprehensive benefit risk assessment must be conducted prior to vaccination by a healthcare professional trained in the benefit risk assessment of live vaccines
  • precaution is advised when considering vaccination in individuals with two or more underlying health conditions
• the product information for the vaccine will be updated to reflect these changes, and a letter for healthcare professionals will be circulated from the company in addition to this Drug Safety Update, to advise of the above-mentioned restrictions
• patients who have received the vaccine should be advised to seek emergency medical attention if they develop signs or symptoms associated with viraemia, including arthralgia, or neurological symptoms which may indicate encephalitis
• all patients who have received the vaccine should receive the manufacturer’s Patient Information Leaflet as part of the travel consultation
• report suspected adverse reactions associated with the IXCHIQ vaccine on a Yellow Card

Advice for Healthcare Professionals to Provide to Patients

• the Chikungunya vaccine is for adults who plan to travel abroad to regions where Chikungunya virus is present. Chikungunya virus is a potentially life-threatening viral infection
• a live attenuated Chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ, first became available on the UK market on 18 June 2025
• you will not be given this vaccine if you are aged 60 years or over, or if you have hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and/or chronic kidney disease, or if you are immunosuppressed or immunodeficient. This is because there have been rare reports of serious side effects in individuals aged 60 and above, and/or in individuals with the chronic conditions specified above. An alternative vaccine is available if IXCHIQ vaccination is unsuitable for you
• during your vaccine consultation you will be assessed by a healthcare professional for vaccine suitability, and the risks and benefits of having the vaccine will also be discussed with you
• if you have received a Chikungunya vaccine, you should seek urgent medical attention if you start to experience signs or symptoms associated with serious reactions resembling chikungunya infection, including arthralgia (severe joint pain), or neurological symptoms including encephalopathy (stiff neck, fever, confusion, memory loss, personality changes or loss of consciousness).

For further details, please view the full Drug Safety Update here.