EU Lifts Restriction on Valneva’s Chikungunya Vaccine for Older Adults, Recommends Caution
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has lifted the temporary restriction on Valneva's chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ, for people aged 65 years and older after a thorough safety review145.
The review was prompted by reports of serious side effects, mainly in elderly individuals with multiple underlying health conditions, including two fatal cases in La Réunion12.
EMA concluded that IXCHIQ is effective in triggering antibodies against chikungunya and may be particularly beneficial for older adults at higher risk of severe chikungunya disease1.
The vaccine remains contraindicated for people with weakened immune systems and should only be administered when there is a significant risk of chikungunya infection, following careful consideration of the benefits and risks, especially in older adults1.
IXCHIQ was originally authorised in the EU in June 2024, with a further label extension in March 2025 to include adolescents aged 12 years and older13.
Sources:
1. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/valneva-announces-lifting-of-european-medicines-agencys-temporary-restriction-on-use-of-chikungunya-vaccine-ixchiq-in-elderly
2. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/valnevas-chikungunya-vaccine-use-halted-in-older-adults-amid-safety-concerns/
3. https://www.vax-before-travel.com/2025/04/01/first-approved-chikungunya-vaccine-now-available-european-adolescents
4. https://valneva.com/press-release/valneva-announces-lifting-of-european-medicines-agencys-temporary-restriction-on-use-of-chikungunya-vaccine-ixchiq-in-elderly/
5. https://www.vax-before-travel.com/older-europeans-have-two-chikungunya-vaccine-options-2025-07-11