Side effects dim hopes for first chikungunya vaccine

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Source: Science Magazine

Original: https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.aeg1217?af=R...

Published: 2026-02-05T07:00:12Z

The Ixchiq chikungunya vaccine has caused serious side effects, especially in people aged 65 and older or with chronic conditions[1]. 28 cases of these effects have been reported[1]. Side effects resemble those of chikungunya infection and include fever, nausea, loss of appetite, and confusion, which can lead to falls[1]. Other symptoms are drowsiness, headache and rare cases of encephalitis[1]. The most common systemic effects in the studies were headache (32%), fatigue (29.4%) and myalgia (23.7%)[2]. Use of the vaccine in people over 65 has been temporarily restricted[1][3]. These effects can worsen existing diseases or general health[1].