Since January 2026, the virus causing this disease has been circulating and gradually spreading in this overseas territory (81 confirmed cases as of April 9). However, ten years after the last major epidemic, the proportion of the population with immunity remains insufficient to ensure herd protection, and there is a risk of an epidemic, which exposes the most vulnerable to a severe form of the disease, notes the French National Authority for Health (HAS) in a press release.
Given this "re-emergence"The HAS, at the request of the Ministry of Health, has developed vaccination recommendations in view of the latest data, particularly safety data, for vaccines with marketing authorization (Ixchiq from Valneva, Vimkunya from Bavarian Nordic).
After evaluation, this authority recommends using Vimkunya for those most vulnerable to chikungunya: people aged 65 and over, as well as those aged 12 to 64 with comorbidities (cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, autoimmune, hematological, chronic liver, chronic kidney diseases…).
This vaccine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
This vaccine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. "in the absence of data" For this category, it is not contraindicated given its composition and can be offered on a case-by-case basis, after a thorough benefit-risk assessment, specifies the HAS. Vimkunya can be offered to 12-64 year olds without comorbidities, adds the authority, but taking into account the documented duration of protection limited to six months and the lack of data in immunocompromised or immunodeficient individuals.
Regarding the Ixchiq vaccine, the HAS indicates that..."Due to insufficient safety data, it can only be offered to those aged 18-64 and after a thorough review of individual benefits and risks." For those aged 65 and over, it maintains the suspension decided almost a year ago after serious adverse effects.
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The EU re-authorized Ixchiq in July 2025
The EU reauthorized Ixchiq in July 2025, judging that these effects did not call into question its usefulness against a disease with increased risk in older adults. However, France announced that it remained contraindicated for seniors, pending a new evaluation in 2026. Ixchiq also remains contraindicated for immunocompromised individuals and is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, according to the French National Authority for Health (HAS).
"In the coming weeks"The authority will update its recommendations concerning Mayotte and Réunion at the government's request, according to the press release. It is also working on a vaccination strategy for the whole of France, which is expected to be finalized soon. "in the coming months."
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