Vaccination Delay for Over 65 as Epidemic Peaks
- SAINT-DENIS, Reunion Island (AP) — reunion Island health officials are modifying their chikungunya vaccination campaign following reports of adverse reactions.
- Authorities learned between April 23 adn 25 that one person older then 80 died, and two others were hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms similar to severe chikungunya, days after...
- In response, the High Health Authority (HAS) re-evaluated its recommendations on April 25.
Reunion Island Adjusts Chikungunya Vaccination Strategy After Adverse Reactions
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SAINT-DENIS, Reunion Island (AP) — reunion Island health officials are modifying their chikungunya vaccination campaign following reports of adverse reactions. Teh changes come as the island grapples with an ongoing chikungunya outbreak expected to peak in the coming weeks.
Authorities learned between April 23 adn 25 that one person older then 80 died, and two others were hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms similar to severe chikungunya, days after receiving the vaccine.
Vaccination Campaign Limited to Under 65s With Comorbidities
In response, the High Health Authority (HAS) re-evaluated its recommendations on April 25. The vaccination campaign will now exclude individuals over 65. Injections will be reserved exclusively for adults under 65 who have comorbidities.
Concerns exist that these events, coupled with vaccine hesitancy potentially stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, could derail the vaccination effort. This comes at a critical time, as Public Health France reported in its epidemiological bulletin on Wednesday, April 30, that the epidemic remains at a “high level of transmission.”
Chikungunya Spreading Across Reunion Island
The chikungunya outbreak continues to spread across Reunion Island. While the number of chikungunya-related consultations with general practitioners has stabilized, emergency room visits are increasing, according to local health officials. Hospitalizations have slightly decreased.
Health authorities are urging the population to continue taking protective measures, including eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding, as the island works to control the outbreak.
Reunion Island Adjusts Chikungunya Vaccination Strategy: Your Questions Answered
Reunion Island is currently facing a chikungunya outbreak. Health authorities are adapting their vaccination strategy in response to adverse reactions. HereS what you need to know, presented in a question-and-answer format.
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is an infectious disease caused by the chikungunya virus, transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms frequently enough resemble the flu, with fever and joint pain.
What’s Happening with the chikungunya Vaccination Campaign on Reunion Island?
Reunion Island health officials are modifying their chikungunya vaccination campaign due to reports of adverse reactions. The changes come as the island battles an ongoing chikungunya outbreak.
Why Are Vaccination Guidelines Being Changed?
The modifications follow recent reports of adverse reactions after vaccination. Between April 23 and 25, one person over 80 years old died, and two others were hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms similar to severe chikungunya days after receiving the vaccine.
Who is Eligible for the Chikungunya Vaccine Now?
The High Health Authority (HAS) re-evaluated its recommendations on April 25. The new guidelines limit vaccination to:
- Individuals under 65 years of age
- Those with existing comorbidities (underlying health conditions)
What Does This Mean for People Over 65?
Individuals over 65 are now excluded from the vaccination campaign due to the observed adverse