Chikungunya Vaccination Campaign on Réunion Island Faces Setback After Adverse Reactions
April 30, 2025
Vaccination Campaign halted for Older Adults
Réunion Island’s chikungunya vaccination campaign, initiated earlier this month, has encountered a critically important setback. Health authorities reported between April 23 and 25 that an individual over 80 died,and two others were hospitalized with symptoms resembling severe chikungunya shortly after receiving the vaccine.
Pro tip: Understanding Live-Attenuated Vaccines
The IXCHIQ
vaccine is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it uses a weakened form of the virus to stimulate an immune response [[1]].While generally safe, thes vaccines may pose risks for individuals with weakened immune systems or those over 65 [[2]].
In response, authorities promptly decided to exclude individuals over 65 from the vaccination campaign. the injections are now reserved exclusively for adults under 65 with comorbidities, following a reassessment by the High Authority for Health (HAS) on April 25.
Impact on Public Trust
These events are likely to impede a campaign that was already struggling to gain momentum. This is partly attributed to a feeling of generalized distrust of vaccines inherited from the Pandemic of Covid-19.
The situation presents a missed possibility
as the epidemic maintains at a high level of transmission
, according to the epidemiological bulletin published Wednesday, April 30, by Public Health France [[3]].
Chikungunya Outbreak: What You Need to know
- Current Situation: An outbreak of chikungunya is ongoing on Réunion Island, with the majority of cases reported in the southern municipalities. Le Tampon is reporting the highest number of cases [[1]].
- Vaccine Availability: Valneva SE plans to provide 40,000 doses of its chikungunya vaccine (Ixchiq) to Réunion Island [[3]]. Ixchiq is approved for use in adults 18 years of age and older in the United States, Europe, Canada, and the United kingdom [[3]].
- Vaccine Advice: Vaccination against chikungunya is recommended for people aged 18 years or older who are traveling to a destination with a current chikungunya outbreak [[2]].
- Vaccine contraindications: The vaccine should not be given to people with weakened immune systems or who have had a serious allergic reaction to any part of the vaccine [[2]].
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, reconsider travel to the affected areas [[2]].
FAQ: Chikungunya and Vaccination
- What is chikungunya?
- Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes.
- What are the symptoms of chikungunya?
- Symptoms include fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
- Is there a vaccine for chikungunya?
- Yes, the IXCHIQ vaccine is approved for adults 18 and older in several countries [[3]].
- Who should get vaccinated?
- Vaccination is recommended for adults 18 and older traveling to areas with outbreaks [[2]].
- Who should not get vaccinated?
- People with weakened immune systems, those with severe allergies to vaccine components, and, currently on Réunion Island, those over 65 should not be vaccinated [[2]].
Official Statements
At a high level of transmission.
Public Health France, April 30, 2025
