Q&A

The summary of product characteristics (SmPC) states that IXCHIQ® is not recommended to be co-administered with other vaccines because there are no data on the safety and immunogenicity following concomitant administration of IXCHIQ® with other vaccines.¹

The SmPC states there is limited amount of data from the use of IXCHIQ® in pregnant women. These data are not sufficient to conclude on the absence of potential effects of IXCHIQ® on pregnancy, embryo-foetal development, parturition and post-natal development. Vaccine viraemia occurs in the first week following administration of IXCHIQ®, with resolution of viraemia by 14 days after vaccination. It is not known if the vaccine virus can be vertically transmitted and cause foetal or neonatal adverse reactions. Decisions to administer IXCHIQ® during pregnancy should take into consideration the individual's risk of exposure to wild-type CHIKV, gestational age, and risks to the foetus or neonate from vertical transmission of wild-type CHIKV.¹

The SmPC states vaccine viraemia occurs in the first week following administration of IXCHIQ®, with resolution of viraemia by 14 days after vaccination. It is not known if the vaccine virus can be vertically transmitted and cause foetal or neonatal adverse reactions.¹

IXCHIQ is administered as a single dose of 0.5 mL. The need for revaccination has not been established.¹ There is a plan for data on the immunogenicity of IXCHIQ® up to ten years post-vaccination to be available in the future.²

It is expected that infection with wild-type CHIKV is likely to confer lifelong immunity to subsequent infections.³

IXCHIQ^® has been granted an MHRA licence which acts as the legal point of reference and indicates that the product can be administered in the UK.⁴ Guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is advisory only.⁵ The decision to administer IXCHIQ® is up to each individual prescriber.

NaTHNaC report that Green Book guidance on chikungunya is due to be developed.⁶