Ixchiq vaccine use restricted to people at high chikungunya risk
The chikungunya vaccine Ixchiq should now be given only to people with a high risk of infection, according to new safety information published by Sweden's Medical Products Agency.
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The restriction follows a routine European Medicines Agency review of available safety data. Reports considered in the review included serious reactions such as aseptic meningitis; some resulted in hospital treatment and deaths were reported, the Swedish agency says.
Ixchiq must not be used in people with immune deficiency or those who are immunosuppressed because of illness or treatment, regardless of age. The agency also says it should not be administered at the same time as other vaccines.
Serious or prolonged chikungunya-like reactions have mainly been reported among people aged 65 or older and those with several chronic conditions, although healthy younger adults have also been affected. Healthcare professionals are advised to assess the expected benefit and risk carefully for each patient.
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