Valneva’s IXCHIQ chikungunya vaccine receives updated UK prescribing guidance, including age restrictions and safety considerations following MHRA review.
Written By: Nikita Chaudhari BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Valneva SE announced that the United Kingdom’s Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has updated its recommendations for the use of IXCHIQ®, the company’s single-dose chikungunya vaccine. The revised Prescribing Information will incorporate new guidance, including restrictions for individuals over 60 years of age, additional precautions for people with specified health conditions, and considerations regarding vaccination timing prior to travel.
The update follows a formal benefit–risk review conducted by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Regulators confirmed that IXCHIQ’s benefit–risk profile remains favorable for adults aged 18 to 59 years who are at risk of chikungunya infection and do not have contraindicated underlying medical conditions.
Safety Review Background
The revised recommendations come after the MHRA’s earlier temporary suspension of IXCHIQ use in older adults. That action was prompted by reports of serious adverse events, primarily observed in elderly individuals with significant pre-existing medical conditions. The events were reported during an outbreak vaccination campaign conducted on La Réunion, where widespread immunization efforts were underway.
Regulatory authorities emphasized that the reported safety signals were largely associated with vulnerable populations, particularly older individuals with complex health profiles. The updated prescribing guidance aims to better define appropriate patient selection and minimize potential risks.
Updated Prescribing Considerations
Under the revised recommendations:
- Use is restricted in individuals over 60 years of age
- Additional precautions apply to people with specified underlying conditions
- Vaccination timing guidance is provided for travelers
These refinements are intended to ensure safer vaccine utilization while maintaining protection for individuals most likely to benefit from immunization.
Valneva’s Safety Commitment
Valneva stated that it will continue closely monitoring post-marketing safety data for IXCHIQ. The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high safety standards and collaborating with regulatory authorities should further updates become necessary.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Infection commonly causes fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Joint pain can be particularly debilitating and may persist for extended periods.
Since its global re-emergence in 2004, chikungunya virus has spread across more than 110 countries spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Millions of cases have been reported over the past decade, with substantial medical and economic consequences. Climate change is expected to further expand mosquito habitats, increasing transmission risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to identify chikungunya as a significant public health concern due to its growing geographic footprint and long-term disease burden.
Reference
IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine: updates to restrictions of use following safety review, 11 February 2026, MHRA, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/698c5975753629b73b140b7c/DSU_-_IXCHIQ_Chikungunya_vaccine_-_updates_to_restrictions_of_use_following_safety_review.pdf
Valneva Provides Update on Recommendations for Use of IXCHIQ® in the United Kingdom, 13 February 2026, 2026_02_13_IXCHIQ_MHRA_Update_PR_EN_Final.pdf
IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine: temporary suspension in people aged 65 years or older, 18 June 2026, https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/ixchiq-chikungunya-vaccine-temporary-suspension-in-people-aged-65-years-or-older
