IXCHIQ Vaccine Approved in the UK to Protect Adults Against Chikungunya

The MHRA has approved IXCHIQ®, the UK’s first vaccine for chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral illness found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and increasingly in Europe. The vaccine is recommended for adults aged 18 to 59 who are travelling to areas with known chikungunya outbreaks.

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito bites and causes high fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, rash, and fatigue. While symptoms usually resolve in one to two weeks, joint pain can persist for months or years, especially in older adults. There is currently no specific treatment.

About the Vaccine (IXCHIQ®)

• Developed by Valneva

• Approved by MHRA in February 2025

• Single-dose live attenuated vaccine

• Shown to trigger protective antibodies in 99% of recipients

• Immunity lasts at least three years

The vaccine is prescription-only and not suitable for those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have a history of thymus disorders.

Safety Review and Age Restrictions

In early 2025, rare but serious side effects were reported in elderly people with underlying health conditions. This led the MHRA to temporarily restrict use in those aged 60 and over. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has since lifted its own restriction, noting that the vaccine remains effective and may benefit older people, but the MHRA’s restriction in the UK is still in effect.

Who Should Consider the Vaccine?

According to JCVI guidance, IXCHIQ® is recommended for:

• Travellers to outbreak regions

• Long-stay or frequent travellers to endemic areas

• Laboratory workers handling the virus

Not currently recommended for those aged 60 or over in the UK due to ongoing MHRA review.

Common Side Effects

Side effects are typically mild to moderate and may include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle or joint pain

• Fatigue

• Redness or swelling at the injection site

• Temporary reduction in white blood cells

Anyone experiencing side effects should report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Book a Consultation

At Pulteney Pharmacy, we offer travel health advice and vaccination consultations, including assessment for IXCHIQ® eligibility. If you're planning to travel to a region where chikungunya is a risk, speak to our team.

Visit us at pulteneypharmacy.com to book an appointment.