The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings last week advising American travelers aged 60 and older to refrain from receiving the chikungunya vaccine known as Valneva’s Ixchiq. Initially, in 2024, U.S. health authorities began recommending this vaccine, derived from a weakened chikungunya virus, for adults planning to visit areas where chikungunya is prevalent. However, recent developments have prompted caution. In April, a panel of vaccine experts advising the CDC raised concerns after investigating six individuals aged 65 and older, most of whom had pre-existing health conditions, who exhibited heart or brain-related issues within a week of receiving the vaccine. More than ten additional cases have surfaced in other countries, leading to increased scrutiny from European regulators. In response, U.S. advisers have chosen to adopt a precautionary stance regarding vaccination for those aged 65 and older.
In addition, U.S. health advisors have recommended making the second chikungunya vaccine, Bavarian Nordic’s Vimkunya, available to individuals aged 12 and older traveling to countries experiencing chikungunya outbreaks. The CDC has yet to announce whether it will endorse these recommendations. Chikungunya, transmitted through mosquito bites, is a rising tropical illness characterized by symptoms such as fever and joint pain, with roughly 100 to 200 cases reported among American travelers each year. According to the CDC, symptoms typically manifest within three to seven days after infection, with common indicators including fever, joint pain, and less common symptoms like headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Preventive measures include using insect repellent, donning long-sleeved clothing, and treating garments and gear with 0.5% permethrin.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/us-advises-older-adults-to-avoid-the-chikungunya-vaccine/articleshow/121132372.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-05-13 12:57:00
