Valneva Provides 40,000 Chikungunya Vaccines for La Réunion

In response to a surge of Chikungunya virus cases on La Réunion, a French island located east of Madagascar, the Austrian-French pharmaceutical company Valneva has announced the delivery of 40,000 doses of its vaccine, the only one approved for this virus worldwide. The decision comes as health authorities report 8,600 confirmed cases of Chikungunya since the beginning of the year.

The vaccine doses are scheduled to be made available starting in early April, with priority given to individuals aged over 65 who have pre-existing health conditions. This strategic move aims to curb the spread of the disease, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.

Chikungunya is transmitted by mosquitoes and can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms including fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and rashes. The joint pain associated with the infection is often severe and may persist for weeks or even years, significantly impacting the quality of life of those affected.

Valneva has noted that, reminiscent of the Chikungunya outbreak that occurred between 2005 and 2006, there is a real risk of the virus spreading to the French mainland and other overseas territories. This concern is heightened by the millions of tourists who visit La Réunion annually, which could facilitate further transmission beyond the island.

The vaccine, known as IXCHIQ, has been approved for use in various regions including the United States, Europe, Canada, and the United Kingdom, for individuals aged 18 years and older. With its deployment, health officials hope to mitigate the impact of the virus and protect public health.