The MHRA has authorized the chikungunya vaccine (live) (brand name IXCHIQ) to prevent adults from chikungunya disease, which is caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV).
CHIKV is spread throughout the Americas, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and the Pacific region, and it is transferred to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). It cannot be passed from person to person.
The majority of people infected with CHIKV develop a sudden fever and severe pain in multiple joints. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. These symptoms typically resolve within 7 to 10 days, and most patients make a full recovery. However, in some cases joint pain and arthritis may persist for several months or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints.
The chikungunya vaccine has been permitted as a prophylactic against the disease. The vaccination comprises a laboratory-weakened virus that cannot grow. The vaccine works by educating the immune system (the body's natural defences) to detect CHIKV, allowing it to develop specific antibodies that target the virus. The recommended dose of chikungunya vaccine (live) requires a prescription.
Two studies assessed the benefits of the live chikungunya vaccine on 4,500 adults. Results showed that 99% of participants had the required antibodies after one month, compared to none who received a placebo. Two years later, 97% of those who received the vaccine maintained this level.
During clinical studies, the most common side effects with chikungunya vaccine (live) (which may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include leucopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia (low levels of white blood cells, including neutrophils and lymphocytes, as seen in blood tests), headache, fatigue, myalgia (muscle pain), joint pain (arthralgia), elevated liver enzymes as seen in blood tests, fever, nausea (feeling sick), and tenderness, pain, erythema (redness), induration (hardening) or swelling at the site of injection.
As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine under close review.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this vaccine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
Learn more: IXCHIQ vaccine approved to protect adults against Chikungunya - GOV.UK
