Vaccine withdrawn from use in UK after deaths reported

Vaccine withdrawn from use in UK after deaths reported The MHRA has withdrawn the vaccine in the UK following a safety review linking it to serious side effects including rare encephalitis and deaths in some cases A travel vaccine has been withdrawn from use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) following a safety review that determined its benefits no longer outweigh its risks. The MHRA announced on Tuesday: "Healthcare professionals should no longer prescribe or administer the IXCHIQ [chikungunya] vaccine and should instead consider alternative measures to reduce the risk of chikungunya infection in individuals travelling to affected areas." IXCHIQ is a live attenuated vaccine indicated for the prevention of chikungunya virus infection in adults travelling to high-risk areas. Since receiving authorisation, a number of serious adverse reactions have been recorded, including chikungunya-like symptoms and rare neurological complications such as encephalitis. These cases have occurred predominantly among older adults and those with underlying health conditions, though they were also reported in individuals with no known medical issues. Some cases led to hospitalisation or death. Medical professionals have been instructed to cease use immediately and to refrain from prescribing, supplying, or administering the vaccine. They are also required to dispose of all remaining stocks in line with established protocols. The MHRA confirmed there is no risk to individuals who have previously received the IXCHIQ vaccination without experiencing side effects, and neither revaccination nor any other medical intervention is necessary. "Any individuals who have previously received IXCHIQ vaccination and experienced side effects are advised to seek medical advice and report to the Yellow Card scheme." Those planning to travel from the UK to regions where chikungunya transmission is known to occur are urged to consider alternative preventative measures, such as vaccination with a different vaccine, protection against mosquito bites through the use of netting or repellent, and following health-related travel guidance. Chikungunya virus is an infection transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are typically active during daylight hours, particularly shortly after sunrise and around dusk. The majority of those who contract chikungunya make a full recovery within one to two weeks. However, the joint pain associated with the illness can be severe and, in certain cases, may persist for months or even years. While fatalities from chikungunya remain rare, the disease can result in long-term disability for some sufferers. Prior to any travel overseas, you should consult the latest Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) health advice.