Reinforcing Precautions: Ixchiq Vaccine and Immunocompromised Patients

After deep review the EMA’s safety committee (PRAC) has decided on stopping the temporary restriction of people aged 65 years or older from getting the chikungunya vaccine.

Nevertheless, Committee recommended administering the vaccine to individuals of all ages only in situations with a substantial risk of chikungunya infection, following a thorough assessment of the benefit risk profile.

That is because Ixchiq Vaccine has shown to cause serious side effects especially in patients over the age of 65 & those who have other medical conditions that can cause them have a suppressed immunity. Moreover, The Committee reviewed rare cases of encephalitis characterized by confusion, drowsiness, fever, and headache in some cases after receiving the vaccine.

Therefore, the committee came to the conclusion that only people at high risk of getting a chikungunya infection can get vaccinated after proper assessment of risk benefit ratio.

Finally, Ixchiq remains contraindicated for individuals with weakened immune systems due to the heightened risk of complications from live attenuated vaccines. Product information will be updated with the latest recommendations, underscoring the commitment to ensuring patient safety and optimal vaccine use.

Learn more: Ixchiq: temporary restriction on vaccinating people 65 years and older to be lifted | European Medicines Agency (EMA)