SAINT-DENIS, Reunion Island – ‌Health authorities in Reunion Island ​have halted the use of the IXCHIQ vaccine ⁣after the death of an 80-year-old individual, officials announced Saturday. The death has triggered public concern and prompted ​a reassessment of the vaccination strategy on the ‌island.

the High Authority ‍for Health​ (HAS) has directed the withdrawal of the IXCHIQ vaccine, produced by Franco-Austrian laboratory valneva, from the vaccination campaign for individuals aged 65 and older in⁤ both Mayotte and Reunion. ⁤France had acquired 100,000 doses of the vaccine.

The vaccination campaign, intended to achieve “collective immunity,”‌ began on‍ April ⁣7, spearheaded​ by the Minister of Overseas, Manuel Valls. As⁢ of April‍ 22, approximately⁣ 3,000 people in Reunion had been vaccinated, according to Gérard⁤ Coollon, director of ‌the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

Initial uptake of the vaccine was slow. “Still happy⁢ that people have not rushed, we could have had many deaths,” said Henri clain, 69, a retired salesperson ⁣from Saint-Benoît, reflecting early hesitancy.

While the campaign for those⁢ aged 18-64⁤ with comorbidities remains under consideration,the ARS‌ director emphasized Saturday that cessation was “not envisaged,” citing the vaccine’s potential to contribute to collective immunity.

Dr.‍ Grégory Emery,director General of Health,defended the rollout,stating⁤ Sunday that “all the stages” of control had been “respected,” suggesting the campaign was not launched prematurely.

Public Reaction​ and⁢ Concerns

Though,⁣ the argument ‌has not quelled concerns among the island’s population of over 885,000.

“I have the⁣ feeling that we are taken for guinea‌ pigs; this case will further ⁤decrease the credibility of the health authorities,” said Clain, echoing a ⁣sentiment of distrust.

Alix, a 36-year-old mother who declined to‌ give‍ her last ​name, offered a contrasting view. “For my part, I find that the reaction of the health authorities is rather reassuring; everything has been done in ⁢transparency,” she said. “They ​were‌ very responsive as soon as it was established that ther was a danger for people over 65.”

The ARS director defended the response time, stating that the three “serious undesirable events, a death” ⁤linked to the vaccine “were reported from April 21. We are on the 26th, and there was a suggestion from the High Authority for Health.”

Calls for Inquiry

Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF), suggested on France Info that “the time of investigation, (it would be) quieter if ⁢we fully suspend the vaccination.”

Senator‍ Audrey ⁣Bélim (PS) has called for a ⁤parliamentary commission of inquiry to “shed light on the reasons for the serious error on the vaccination ⁢of over 65” following the announcement of the death. MP Jean-hugues Ratenon (LFI) ⁤has demanded ⁢the immediate suspension of the vaccine ⁣campaign.

Background: Virus Transmission

According to ARS estimates, nearly 120,000 people have‌ been contaminated by the virus, transmitted by the‍ Tiger mosquito, since the start of the year.

Public ‍Health France reports nine deaths of people over ⁣the age of 70 carrying comorbidities. Nine other deaths,including that of an infant,are under investigation.