U.S. CDC Advisory Committee (ACIP) Recommends Use of Valneva's Single-Dose Chikungunya Vaccine IXCHIQ®

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the use of Valneva's single-dose chikungunya vaccine IXCHIQ® for travelers and laboratory workers. This recommendation comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine in November 2023, making it the first and only vaccine to address the unmet medical need in adults aged 18 and older who are at risk of chikungunya infection.

Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito and can cause severe joint pain, fever, and rash. It is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, but it has also been reported in the United States, particularly in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The CDC's recommendation for the use of IXCHIQ® is based on its safety and efficacy data, which were evaluated by an independent panel of experts convened by the FDA. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective in preventing chikungunya infection in adults aged 18 and older.

The CDC recommends that travelers and laboratory workers who are at risk of chikungunya infection consider getting vaccinated with IXCHIQ® before traveling to areas where the disease is known to be present. The vaccine is available through healthcare providers and pharmacies in the United States.

It's important to note that while IXCHIQ® is effective in preventing chikungunya infection, it does not provide 100% protection against the disease. Travelers and laboratory workers should still take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets.