The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ixchiq, the first chikungunya vaccine, developed by Valneva Austria GmbH. Ixchiq is approved for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to chikungunya virus.

The chikungunya virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The highest risk of infection is in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas where chikungunya virus-carrying mosquitos are endemic. However, chikungunya virus has spread to new geographical areas causing a rise in global prevalence of the disease.

Ixchiq is administered as a single dose by injection into the muscle. It contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus and may cause symptoms in the vaccine recipient similar to those experienced by people who have chikungunya disease.

The most commonly reported side effects by vaccine recipients were headache, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, fever, nausea and tenderness at the injection site.

The FDA is requiring the company to conduct a postmarketing study to assess the serious risk of severe chikungunya-like adverse reactions following administration of Ixchiq.