UK regulator pulls chikungunya travel vaccine after reports of serious side effects and deaths

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has withdrawn the IXCHIQ vaccine, a live-attenuated product intended for adults traveling to chikungunya-risk areas, after a safety assessment identified serious adverse events. Reported reactions include chikungunya-like symptoms, rare encephalitis and, in a few cases, death, predominantly affecting older individuals or those with pre-existing conditions, though some healthy recipients were also affected.

Medical professionals have been instructed to cease prescribing, administering, or supplying the vaccine and to destroy any remaining doses according to one outlet. The MHRA clarified that those who received the vaccine without problems face no ongoing risk and do not require revaccination, while anyone who experienced side effects should seek medical advice and report to the Yellow Card scheme. Travelers are now advised to consider other preventive measures such as different vaccines, mosquito repellents, netting, and to follow the latest FCDO health guidance.