Valneva's Chikungunya Vaccine Gains CDC Support

In a game-changing announcement from Saint Herblain, France, Valneva SE, a leading specialty vaccine company, revealed that the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has updated their recommendation on its groundbreaking chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ®. During their latest meeting, ACIP reaffirmed the vaccine's usage for adults aged 18 and over who are traveling to regions experiencing chikungunya outbreaks.

But there’s more! Not only is IXCHIQ® a must for travelers heading to affected areas, but it may also be considered for those venturing to locations without an outbreak, yet at higher risk, especially for prolonged stays of six months or longer.

Cautious Optimism: Precautionary Measures for Seniors

This news comes with a degree of caution. The ACIP has recommended that individuals aged 65 and older exercise caution when considering IXCHIQ® due to reports of serious adverse events (SAEs) in patients aged 67 to 86 following vaccination. Although it can't be conclusively linked to the vaccine, further investigation is underway.

In light of these developments, the ACIP stated that seniors might still benefit from getting vaccinated in outbreak situations, considering their heightened risk for severe chikungunya disease.

Striking Numbers: Vaccination in La Réunion

Valneva recently shipped 40,000 doses of IXCHIQ® to La Réunion, a French territory battling an ongoing chikungunya outbreak. Local health authorities are targeting vaccinations for older adults, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions.

U.S. Supply Reassurance: Safety and Efficacy