What to know about the Chikungunya vaccine and where to get it in B.C.

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British Columbians travelling to tropical and subtropical regions now have access to a new vaccine following Health Canada’s approval of IXCHIQ, the world’s first vaccine for the Chikungunya virus.

Developed by French biotech company Valneva, the vaccine is available at select pharmacies and travel clinics, making the province the second in Canada to offer protection against this mosquito-borne virus.

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IXCHIQ, pronounced iks-chek, was approved by Health Canada on June 20 for use in adults aged 18 and older. This single-dose vaccine provides protection against the viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes.

With roughly seven million Canadians travelling annually to tropical regions where chikungunya is endemic, including parts of the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and South America, the demand for a preventive vaccine is high.

“Chikungunya is a serious concern for travellers to regions where the virus is endemic, and this vaccine represents a significant step forward in preventing a potentially debilitating illness,” Dr. Jane Smith, an infectious disease specialist at Vancouver General Hospital, said in a statement.

Symptoms of Chikungunya include high fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, and rashes, with joint pain often leading to long-term disability. Since its global spread began in 2004, millions of cases have been reported across North America, Asia and Africa.

Provincial health experts, including Smith, note that rising temperatures and increased rainfall are expected to expand the range of Aedes mosquitoes, making the need for vaccination urgent.

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“With climate change contributing to the spread of the Aedes mosquito, the introduction of IXCHIQ is a critical public health measure for anyone planning travel to high-risk areas,” she said.

With Canada’s approval, it becomes the second country to authorize the use of IXCHIQ in the fight against the virus, following the U.S.

Health Canada’s approval of the vaccine is based on a clinical trial showing that almost 99 per cent of people who got the vaccine had a strong immune response just 28 days later, with protection lasting for at least six months in about 96 per cent of people, no matter their age.

Doses of IXCHIQ have been available since Nov. 14. A single dose costs $225 and it is not covered by B.C.’s medical services plan.

“We are thrilled to be among the first to offer this critical vaccine to B.C. residents,” said Dr. Sarah Turner, a physician with B.C.’s Ministry of Health, said in a statement.

Health professionals are emphasizing the importance of prevention in the fight against Chikungunya, urging travellers to use insecticide-treated bed nets, stay in air-conditioned rooms, wear protective clothing, and apply mosquito repellent — especially during peak activity times, particularly mid-morning and late afternoon.

Travellers are advised to speak with their health care providers about the vaccine and review other preventive measures before travelling to high-risk areas.

sgrochowski@postmedia.com

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