FDA and CDC Recommend Pause on Chikungunya Vaccine for Older Adults

The FDA and CDC have recommended a pause in the use of Ixchiq (chikungunya vaccine, live) for individuals 60 years of age and older while they conduct a review of post-marketing safety data12. This regulatory action follows reports of serious adverse events in older adults who received the vaccine1.

As of May 7, 2025, there have been 17 serious adverse events reported globally, including neurologic and cardiac events, in patients aged 62 to 89 who received the Ixchiq vaccine15. Two deaths have been reported among these cases14.

Most of the affected individuals had underlying chronic medical conditions5. Six of these serious adverse event cases occurred in the United States14.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has also taken action, temporarily restricting the use of Ixchiq in adults aged 65 years and above while conducting an in-depth review14.

Despite these concerns for older adults, the vaccine remains authorized for younger age groups. The FDA and CDC continue to support the use of the vaccine for adults aged 18 to 59, while the EMA still recommends it for individuals aged 12 to 644.

Ixchiq became the first vaccine authorized in the United States to prevent chikungunya virus infections in November 20234. Approximately 80,000 doses of the vaccine have been distributed worldwide according to the FDA1.

Sources:

1. https://www.biospace.com/policy/fda-eu-flag-safety-issues-with-valnevas-chikungunya-vaccine

2. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/fda-and-cdc-recommend-pause-use-ixchiq-chikungunya-vaccine-live-individuals-60-years-age-and-older

4. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/valneva-chikungunya-vaccine-Ixchiq-pause-fda-cdc-ema/747745/

5. https://www.empr.com/news/fda-cdc-pause-use-of-chikungunya-vaccine-ixchiq-in-older-individuals/