2023-11-09 23:36:31
By Le Figaro with AFP
Published 2 hours ago, Updated 2 hours ago
Chikungunya is a virus transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. wirakorn / stock.adobe.com
The vaccine, which will be marketed under the name Ixchiq, is authorized for people 18 years and older at increased risk of exposure to the virus, the US Medicines Agency (FDA) said.
The United States approved the first vaccine against chikungunya on Thursday, November 9, developed by the Valneva group, health authorities announced in a press release. The vaccine, which will be marketed under the name Ixchiq, is authorized for people 18 years and older at increased risk of exposure to the virus, the US Medicines Agency (FDA) said.
Chikungunya, which causes fever and severe joint pain, is an illness caused by a virus transmitted by the tiger mosquito. It is mainly present in tropical regions. According to the FDA, at least five million cases of infection have been recorded over the past 15 years. “Chikungunya virus infections can lead to serious and long-term health problems, especially for older people and individuals with a history of medical conditions”underlined in the press release Peter Marks, senior official within the American agency.
An authorization request filed for Europe
The vaccine is injected in one dose, and contains the attenuated virus – a standard technique used for other vaccines. Two clinical trials were carried out in North America on several thousand people. The main side effects are headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and even nausea. In rare cases, more serious reactions have been noted, the FDA said. Two clinical trial participants who received the vaccine required hospitalization.
An application for authorization has also been filed by Valneva with the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
1699584923
#approves #chikungunya #vaccine