The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has withdrawn the UK marketing authorisation for IXCHIQ, a chikungunya vaccine, and the product is being removed from the UK market. The decision was published in the MHRA's Drug Safety Update on 20 October 2026.
IXCHIQ is a live attenuated vaccine that was authorised for the prevention of chikungunya virus infection in adults travelling to high-risk areas. Following independent expert advice, the MHRA concluded that the benefit-risk balance of the vaccine is no longer considered favourable for UK travellers.
According to the MHRA, serious adverse reactions have been reported since the vaccine was authorised, including chikungunya-like symptoms and rare neurological events such as encephalitis. These cases occurred predominantly in older adults and people with underlying medical conditions, but were also reported in people with no known health conditions. Some cases resulted in hospitalisation or death.
The MHRA says there is no risk to people who previously received IXCHIQ and did not experience side effects, and that no revaccination or other medical intervention is required. It advises anyone who has experienced a suspected side effect after vaccination to seek medical advice and report it through the Yellow Card scheme. For travel to areas with chikungunya transmission, the MHRA lists alternative measures including other available chikungunya vaccines, preventing mosquito bites and following health-related travel advice.