Authorities Withdraw Over 65s from Vaccination After Death and Serious Events
chikungunya Vaccination Suspended for Older Adults in Réunion adn Mayotte After Adverse Events
updated April 26, 2025
SAINT-DENIS, Réunion — health officials announced Saturday the immediate suspension of chikungunya vaccinations for individuals aged 65 and older in Réunion and Mayotte.The decision follows three reported “serious undesirable events” after administration of the IXCHIQ vaccine, including one fatality.
Details of the Adverse Reactions
The Ministry of Health stated in a press release that the national Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) informed them of two initial “serious undesirable events” on April 23, with a third reported on April 25.All three cases occurred in Réunion and involved individuals over 80 years old with pre-existing health conditions,known as comorbidities.
According to the Ministry of Health, “Two people presented symptoms resembling a severe form of chikungunya within days of vaccination; one later died. The third individual was discharged from hospitalization.”
HAS to Reassess Vaccination Guidelines
“Given the severity of these events, the Directorate General of Health (DGS) urgently requested the HAS, on April 24, to reassess the indications for vaccination against chikungunya using the Valneva IXCHIQ vaccine,” the Ministry of Health stated.
Possible Link to Vaccine Under Investigation
The Bordeaux Regional Pharmacovigilance Center (CRPV) conducted an analysis suggesting a ”very likely” causal link between the vaccine and the adverse reactions, citing the timing of symptom onset after vaccination and the results of biological examinations.
Investigations are ongoing into two additional cases in Réunion, involving individuals who were hospitalized, and one case in France involving a traveler who received the vaccine. The role of the vaccination in these cases remains under evaluation.
Vaccination Campaign Continues for Younger Adults
The Ministry of Health clarified that the chikungunya vaccination campaign remains open to individuals aged 18 to 64 who have comorbidities.
Background of the Chikungunya outbreak
health authorities launched the vaccination campaign in early April in response to a widespread chikungunya epidemic in Réunion. according to the latest assessment, the epidemic has resulted in nine deaths and “stabilizes at a high level of transmission.”
About the IXCHIQ Vaccine
The IXCHIQ vaccine, developed by Valneva, is the first chikungunya vaccine to receive marketing authorization in Europe.
Increased Monitoring
On April 17, prior to these events, the drug agency announced “reinforced monitoring” of potential post-vaccination side effects.
Chikungunya Vaccine Suspension: Your Questions Answered
This article provides extensive facts about the recent suspension of the chikungunya vaccine for older adults in Réunion and Mayotte. It’s based on the latest announcements from health officials.
What’s the Latest News Regarding the Chikungunya Vaccine?
On April 26, 2025, health authorities announced an immediate suspension of chikungunya vaccinations for individuals aged 65 and older in Réunion and Mayotte. This decision follows reports of ”serious undesirable events” after management of the IXCHIQ vaccine, including one fatality.
Why Was the chikungunya Vaccine Suspended for Older Adults?
The suspension was triggered by three reported adverse reactions after receiving the IXCHIQ vaccine. These events prompted the authorities to halt vaccinations for the vulnerable age group to ensure safety. One fatality occurred in Reunion among the reported cases.
What are the Details of the Adverse Reactions?
The reported adverse reactions include:
- Two initial “serious undesirable events” reported on April 23.
- A third event reported on April 25.
- All three cases occurred in Réunion.
- All individuals involved were over 80 years old and had pre-existing health conditions (comorbidities).
- Two individuals presented symptoms resembling a severe form of chikungunya within days of vaccination; one later died.
- The third individual was discharged from hospitalization.
These adverse events caused significant concern, leading to the suspension. It is significant to note that the patients included in the reports were all over the age of 80 and had existing health problems.
What is the IXCHIQ Vaccine?
The IXCHIQ vaccine, developed by Valneva, is the first chikungunya vaccine to receive marketing authorization in Europe. It’s an important tool in the fight against this debilitating disease.
What Role Does the HAS (French National authority for Health) Play?
Given the severity of the adverse events, the Directorate general of Health (DGS) urgently requested the HAS on April 24 to reassess the guidelines for chikungunya vaccination using the IXCHIQ vaccine. The HAS’s reassessment is crucial to determine the safety and best use of the vaccine considering these recent events.
Is There a Possible Link Between the Vaccine and the Adverse Reactions?
Yes, the Bordeaux Regional pharmacovigilance Center (CRPV) conducted an analysis and suggested a “very likely” causal link between the vaccine and the adverse reactions. This assessment considers the timing of the symptoms after vaccination and the results of biological examinations. This is an ongoing inquiry.
What Other Cases are Being Investigated?
Investigations are ongoing regarding:
- Two additional cases in Réunion involving hospitalized individuals.
- One case in France involving a traveler who received the vaccine.
The role of the vaccination in these additional cases is still under evaluation.
Is the Vaccination Campaign Still Ongoing for Other Age Groups?
Yes, the chikungunya vaccination campaign remains open to individuals aged 18 to 64 who have comorbidities.
How Widespread is the Chikungunya Outbreak?
The vaccination campaign was launched in early April in response to a widespread chikungunya epidemic in Réunion. According to the latest assessment, the epidemic has resulted in nine deaths and “stabilizes at a high level of transmission.” The high level of transmission prompted the need for vaccinations initially. The situation is being closely monitored.
What does “Reinforced Monitoring” Mean?
Prior to these events, on April 17, the drug agency announced “reinforced monitoring” of potential post-vaccination side effects. This means that authorities were already actively looking for any adverse reactions to better assess safety as the vaccine was rolled out, showing proactive approach.
Key Takeaways: Fast Facts
Here’s a summary of key information:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaccine Suspended For | Individuals 65+ in Réunion and Mayotte |
| Reason for Suspension | Serious adverse reactions, including one fatality |
| Vaccine involved | IXCHIQ (Valneva) |
| Age of patients | over 80 years old |
| Ongoing Investigations | Several additional cases being reviewed |
| Vaccination for Younger Adults | Continues for ages 18-64 with comorbidities |
| current Epidemic Status | “High level of transmission” |
Where Can I Find More Information?
For the latest updates and official information, please refer to the Ministry of Health and the national Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) websites.