Older adults are being warned against receiving the chikungunya vaccine before traveling.
The Ixchiq vaccination, developed by Valneva to prevent the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023 as the first of its kind.
The approval applies to anyone aged 18 and older who has a risk of being exposed to the virus.
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Federal Health Agencies Reassess Chikungunya Vaccine Safety for Older Adults
In a major public health update, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a joint warning, urging adults over the age of 60 to temporarily avoid receiving the chikungunya vaccine. The advisory follows reports of severe side effects, including two fatal cases among elderly recipients.
The notice, released on May 9, 2025, comes just six months after the FDA approved the chikungunya vaccine, known as Ixchiq, developed by Valneva. Initially authorized in November 2023, Ixchiq was hailed as the first vaccine to protect against the chikungunya virus — a mosquito-borne illness that has posed growing health threats in several tropical and subtropical regions.
Chikungunya Vaccine Linked to Severe Adverse Events
The chikungunya vaccine was approved for adults 18 years and older who are at risk of contracting the virus, particularly those traveling to affected countries. However, a recent evaluation of post-marketing safety data has raised significant concerns about its effects on seniors.
According to the FDA and CDC, 17 serious adverse events were reported among individuals aged 62 to 89 who received the vaccine. Tragically, two of these cases resulted in death — one due to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and the other from unspecified complications believed to be linked to the vaccine.
FDA and CDC Recommend Immediate Pause for Seniors
“While the safety of Ixchiq for individuals aged 60 and above is being reassessed, the FDA and CDC recommend pausing administration of the chikungunya vaccine in this age group,” the agencies stated in their joint release. “We are continuing to evaluate these safety concerns and will update the public as soon as more information becomes available.”
The agencies emphasized the importance of balancing the vaccine’s benefits against its risks, especially among vulnerable populations. An updated benefit-risk assessment is currently underway to determine if and how the vaccine can be safely used in older adults.
What is Chikungunya? Understanding the Virus
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes — the same vectors that spread dengue and Zika. The CDC notes that symptoms typically include:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe joint pain
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Skin rashes
While many people recover within a week, some suffer from persistent joint pain that can last for months, a condition especially difficult for older adults. In rare cases, complications such as neurological or cardiac issues may arise.
The chikungunya vaccine was designed to reduce the burden of the disease among high-risk groups, especially travelers visiting endemic regions. However, the presence of a live, attenuated virus in the vaccine formulation appears to increase the risk of adverse reactions in older adults.
Expert Perspectives on the Chikungunya Vaccine
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, previously commented on the potential risks associated with live-virus vaccines like Ixchiq. “This vaccine falls into the same category as those developed for dengue or Zika, and the risks must be carefully weighed, particularly for seniors,” he explained.
With the FDA’s initial approval, the chikungunya vaccine was celebrated as a milestone in global public health. Over the last 15 years, more than five million chikungunya infections have been reported worldwide, underscoring the urgency of preventative solutions.
Conclusion: Balancing Innovation with Safety
The pause in the use of the chikungunya vaccine for individuals over 60 reflects a critical step in safeguarding public health. As regulatory agencies continue their evaluation, older adults planning travel to affected regions are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers about alternative preventive measures, including mosquito avoidance strategies.
While vaccines remain an essential tool in the fight against infectious diseases, careful post-approval monitoring is vital to ensure they serve all populations safely.
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