The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency announced on 11 February 2026 that new restrictions now apply to the Chikungunya vaccine IXCHIQ after advice from the Commission on Human Medicines.
Use is limited to adults aged 18 to 59 without specified underlying conditions, with further exclusions and pre-travel precautions. The change updates who can receive the vaccine and sets defined clinical assessment requirements before administration.
The regulator said the revised guidance changes eligibility rules and adds precautionary measures for vaccine use. The decision follows a completed safety review and updated advice to healthcare professionals.
Regulatory Announcement and Scope
The MHRA announced changes to how the IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine may be used in the UK. The decision was issued on 11 February 2026 and applies to approved clinical use of this vaccine.
The update sets defined limits on eligible recipients and introduces additional safeguards linked to medical history and clinical assessment. The restrictions follow formal expert advice provided to the regulator.
- Applies to IXCHIQ vaccine
- Issued by MHRA
- Based on expert committee advice
New Eligibility and Exclusion Rules
The MHRA said the vaccine should now only be used in adults aged 18 to 59 years. It should not be used in people aged 60 or over, or in individuals of any age with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.
Further exclusions apply to individuals who are immunodeficient or immunosuppressed, including those with IgA deficiency, and people with a history of thymus disorder or thymectomy. These conditions are now listed as reasons not to administer the vaccine.
Eligibility and Exclusion Criteria
| Permitted age group | Adults aged 18 to 59 years only. |
| Age exclusion | People aged 60 years and over must not receive the vaccine. |
| Medical exclusions | High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. |
| Immune and thymus exclusions | Immunodeficiency, immunosuppression, IgA deficiency, thymus disorder or thymectomy. |
Safety Review and Advisory Basis
The decision follows recommendations from the Commission on Human Medicines after review of global safety data. The MHRA said 28 cases of serious adverse reactions have been reported worldwide, including three with a fatal outcome.
The advisory committee concluded that the benefits of vaccination remain favourable for people aged 18 to 59 who are at risk of chikungunya infection and who do not have the listed conditions. This benefit–risk conclusion supports restricted rather than general use.
- Advice from Commission on Human Medicines
- Global safety data reviewed
- Restricted benefit–risk group identified
Clinical Assessment and Pre-Travel Guidance
The MHRA said trained healthcare professionals must carry out a comprehensive benefit–risk assessment before offering the IXCHIQ vaccine. Extra caution is advised when vaccinating individuals with two or more underlying chronic health conditions.
As a precaution, the vaccine should be given at least 30 days before travel. This timing is intended to ensure access to appropriate healthcare in the UK if serious adverse reactions occur.
Vaccination Precaution Measures
| Clinical assessment | Healthcare professionals must complete a benefit–risk review before vaccination. |
| Multiple conditions | Caution advised for people with two or more chronic health conditions. |
| Timing before travel | Vaccine should be given at least 30 days before departure. |
Disease and Vaccine Context
The MHRA said chikungunya virus is found in subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and the Pacific region. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito and is not transmitted through casual person-to-person contact.
Most infected people develop sudden fever and severe joint pain, with other symptoms including headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Symptoms usually resolve within seven to ten days and most patients recover fully.
Reporting Side Effects and Patient Information
The regulator said anyone who suspects a side effect should speak to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Suspected reactions can also be reported directly through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme website or mobile app.
An updated patient information leaflet for the IXCHIQ vaccine will be made available to reflect the new restrictions and guidance. This will align public information with the revised eligibility rules.
Stakeholder Comments
Commission on Human Medicines said;
“The benefits of vaccination remain favourable for individuals at risk of chikungunya infection who are aged 18–59 years and who do not have the above conditions.”
In Conclusion
The MHRA has introduced new restrictions on the IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine following expert committee advice and a completed safety review. Use is now limited to adults aged 18 to 59 without specified medical conditions, with mandatory clinical assessment and pre-travel timing guidance.
The updated measures set clear eligibility boundaries and reporting routes while maintaining regulated vaccine access for defined risk groups.
Sources: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
