France Halts Valneva's Chikungunya Vaccine for Seniors Amid Health Concerns

Published 1 days agoVALN

France Halts Valneva's Chikungunya Vaccine for Seniors Amid Health Concerns

France's national public health agency, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), recently paused the use of Valneva's chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ®, for individuals aged 65 and older. The decision, made on April 25, 2025, followed reports of serious adverse events among elderly patients with existing health conditions during vaccination campaigns in La Réunion and Mayotte.

In the United States, Valneva's IXCHIQ® received FDA approval in November 2023 for adults aged 18 and older who are at an increased risk of chikungunya exposure. By February 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the vaccine for travelers heading to regions experiencing chikungunya outbreaks. As of May 2025, U.S. health agencies have not amended these recommendations for older populations.

The situation highlights how vaccine guidance can differ from country to country, influenced by local health data and emerging safety reports. While France has reacted to specific case trends in seniors, the U.S. maintains its current level of endorsement. Individuals are advised to check with local health authorities to get the latest guidelines pertinent to their region.

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