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In yet another report about vaccine side effects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the hospitalizations of five people who suffered medical emergencies after receiving IXCHIQ, the only approved chikungunya vaccine in the U.S.
In a notice posted on its vaccine information page, the CDC said that five individuals aged 65 and older were hospitalized for "cardiac or neurological events" after being vaccinated with IXCHIQ. The cases prompted the CDC to consult with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to determine any necessary actions. However, the meeting scheduled for Wednesday was postponed.
"Healthcare providers should discuss the benefits and risks of vaccination with individual travelers based on their age, destination, trip duration, and planned activities," the CDC notice read.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that causes symptoms like fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. While mortality is low, some patients may experience debilitating pain for up to 6 months, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) noted.
The name “chikungunya” comes from the African Makonde language and means "bent over in pain.”
IXCHIQ, developed as a live-attenuated vaccine, was approved for use in the United States in November 2023. Clinical trials showed a generally favorable safety profile, but 1.6% of vaccine recipients experienced severe chikungunya-like reactions that impacted their daily activities or required medical intervention.
The disease is prevalent in nearly 115 countries, with seasonal or sporadic outbreaks. According to data from the CDC, 199 travel-associated chikungunya cases were reported in the U.S. in 2024. In the same year, over 620,000 chikungunya cases and 213 associated deaths were reported across 23 countries, including nations in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
No locally acquired cases have been reported in U.S. states since 2019.
The CDC is expected to provide further guidance as more information becomes available. The outcome of the investigation may significantly influence public health strategies against chikungunya and the future use of the IXCHIQ vaccine.
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