Enhanced monitoring of chikungunya live attenuated vaccine AEFIs

Article

Apr 23, 2026

CHIK-LAV (trade name IXCHIQ) is a single dose chikungunya live attenuated vaccine authorized for use in Canada for the prevention of disease caused by the chikungunya virus. It is not a publicly funded vaccine in Ontario, but it is available through private sale.
There have been post-marketing reports of serious adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with CHIK-LAV in Europe, the United States and Canada, mostly among persons 65 years or older and those with pre-existing health conditions. Reported serious adverse events have included hospitalizations with chikungunya-like illness and three deaths, including one death directly attributable to the vaccine.
To support vaccine safety surveillance, report AEFIs for CHIK-LAV to Health Region Public Health as soon as a suspect AEFI is identified following the usual AEFI process. Details can be found at Vaccine Safety | Public Health Ontario (external link).

Chikungunya (external link) is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus, which is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, with large outbreaks and sporadic cases reported mostly in the Americas, Asia and Africa, and occasional smaller outbreaks in Europe.
Chikungunya causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating and may be prolonged; other symptoms include joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.
The Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) (external link) in Canada advises that the vaccine may be considered following an individualized assessment for people aged 18 to 64 years who are at high risk of infection (e.g., travel to an area experiencing a chikungunya outbreak).
Under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act, health care professionals are legally required to report any adverse events following immunization (AEFI). These reports are essential for monitoring vaccine safety and protecting public health.
Once you have completed the AEFI reporting form (external PDF), fax it to 905-465-3403.