Chloe Ramirez
China has made significant contributions to the development of vaccines, including breakthroughs in inactivated virus vaccines. In 2023, the Ixchiq vaccine, developed by Valneva, was approved for adults at risk of exposure to the chikungunya virus, which is spread by mosquito bites. The Ixchiq vaccine has been associated with severe side effects, and its use is now limited to those at high risk of exposure. China has also developed vaccines for hepatitis A and rabies, and in 2009, Sinovac created the world's first influenza A (H1N1) virus vaccine. However, China has faced criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, with accusations of a lack of transparency and destruction of early virus samples, hindering vaccine development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the vaccine | Ixchiq |
| Year of approval | 2023 |
| Manufacturer | Valneva |
| Target disease | Chikungunya |
| Target population | Adults 18 and up at risk of exposure |
| Number of people vaccinated globally | 43,000 |
| Adverse reactions | Severe headaches, dizziness, nerve pain, trouble with balance, fainting, muscle aches, joint and back pain |
| Symptoms of the disease | Flu-like symptoms, high fever, joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, swollen joints and lymph nodes |
| Complications from the disease | Joint damage, seizures, brain swelling, heart problems, kidney or liver damage |
| Risk factors for severe disease | Newborns, elderly, people with chronic health conditions |
| Storage requirements | Inactivated vaccines can be stored at 2°C to 8°C |
| Country of outbreak | Guangdong Province, China |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ixchiq vaccine approved for adults in 2023
In 2025, the CDC warned of an "enhanced" risk for travellers to China due to the outbreak of the chikungunya virus in Guangdong Province. The virus causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and rash, within three to seven days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. While there is no medicine to treat the chikungunya virus, the CDC recommends preventing it by wearing insect repellent, protective clothing, and staying in places with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors.
In 2023, the Ixchiq vaccine, developed by the European vaccine company Valneva, was approved for adults aged 18 and above at risk of exposure to the chikungunya virus. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the virus and is the first-ever vaccine to prevent the disease. However, it has been associated with severe adverse reactions, including neurological and cardiac side effects, with some reports of severe headaches, dizziness, intense nerve pain, trouble with balance, fainting, extreme muscle aches, and severe joint and back pain. Two deaths have also been linked to the vaccine.
Due to the reported side effects, the labelling of the Ixchiq vaccine has been updated to stipulate that only individuals at high risk of exposure should receive the vaccine. The labelling now states that "vaccination with Ixchiq is not advisable for most US travellers" as the risk of exposure to the chikungunya virus is low for most Americans. The decision to administer the Ixchiq vaccine should consider an individual's risk of severe or chronic disease outcomes if infected with the virus, as well as the risks associated with the vaccine itself.
While the Ixchiq vaccine has been approved for adults, Valneva has petitioned the FDA to expand its availability to teenagers. The CDC has recorded an elevated risk of exposure to the chikungunya virus in several countries, including Brazil, China, and Colombia. As of 2025, there have been approximately 220,000 cases of the chikungunya virus and 80 related deaths in 14 countries.
Met Gala's Strict Vaccination Rules: Who Was Exempt?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
China's advancements in vaccine production
China has made significant advancements in vaccine production over the past three decades. The country has successfully developed and manufactured inactivated virus vaccines, which are a cornerstone in preventing various viral diseases such as influenza, hepatitis, and poliomyelitis. One notable achievement was the development of the world's first influenza A (H1N1) virus vaccine by Sinovac in 2009, which established China's prominent position in influenza vaccine research.
In terms of technological advancements, China has adopted advanced technologies such as bioreactor microcarrier suspension culture, chip carrier culture, bioreactor suspension culture, and shaker technology. These innovations have enhanced the scale manufacturing capacity and quality of viral vaccines. The purification process of vaccines has also improved, progressing from simple microfiltration clarification to zone centrifugation and chromatography purification, ensuring vaccine purity, sterility, and safety.
China has also made progress in the development of specific vaccines. For example, they have achieved breakthroughs in inactivated vaccines, which offer advantages in cold chain logistics due to their ability to be stored and transported at regular refrigerator temperatures. This makes them well-suited for widespread adoption in developing countries. Additionally, China has independent intellectual property rights for two main rabies vaccine strains: aG and CTN-1.
Furthermore, China has contributed to the development of the Ixchiq vaccine, the first vaccine to prevent the chikungunya virus. This vaccine was developed by the European vaccine company Valneva in 2023 and has been approved for adults aged 18 and older who are at risk of exposure to the virus. However, it is important to note that the Ixchiq vaccine has been associated with severe neurological and cardiac side effects, and its use is now limited to individuals at high risk of exposure.
How Vaccines Treated Elizabeth's Pneumococcal Bacteremia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$18.99 $18.99
Inactivated virus vaccines
One notable achievement was the creation of the world's first influenza A (H1N1) virus vaccine by Sinovac in 2009. This vaccine played a crucial role in curbing the spread of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and demonstrated China's leadership in influenza vaccine research. The trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccines are currently the most widely used, protecting against multiple strains of the influenza virus.
In addition to influenza, inactivated virus vaccines have been successfully developed and deployed against other diseases in China. For instance, the country has made breakthroughs in the development of inactivated vaccines for hepatitis and poliomyelitis. The hepatitis A vaccine, in particular, has shown promising results in animal tests and clinical trials, offering good safety and immunogenicity profiles.
China has also been at the forefront of addressing emerging health threats with inactivated virus vaccines. The development of the inactivated 2019-nCoV vaccine, for instance, has been a significant step in the fight against COVID-19. While it may have lower efficacy in preventing mild cases compared to mRNA vaccines, its superior safety and accessibility make it a viable option for widespread adoption, especially in developing nations.
Furthermore, China has made advancements in the production processes of inactivated virus vaccines. Over the years, the cell substrates used for vaccine production have evolved from primary cells to more advanced types, such as passage cells and human diploid cells. The adoption of innovative technologies, such as bioreactor microcarrier suspension culture and chromatography purification, has improved the manufacturing capacity and quality of these vaccines, ensuring they meet market demands for purity, sterility, and safety.
South Park's Vaccine Episode: A Return to Autism?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
China's prominent position in influenza vaccine research
China has been actively involved in influenza vaccine research for several decades. The country's large population and high number of influenza cases and deaths have made it a significant focus of influenza research. In 1952, China began researching influenza viruses, leading to the establishment of the National Influenza Center in 1957. This was followed by the creation of an influenza surveillance network in 2000, which focused on influenza-like illness case reporting and virus isolation.
China has made significant advancements in the development of inactivated virus vaccines. Over the past 30 years, the cell substrates used for inactivated vaccine production have evolved from primary cells to more advanced types, such as passage cells and human diploid cells. The implementation of advanced technologies has enhanced the manufacturing capacity and quality of viral vaccines. China has also achieved notable breakthroughs in inactivated vaccines, contributing to public health preparedness and the ability to address emerging health threats.
In 2009, Sinovac, a Chinese company, developed the world's first influenza A (H1N1) virus vaccine, establishing China's prominent position in influenza vaccine research. This vaccine effectively curbed the spread of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus and demonstrated the country's capabilities in vaccine development. China has also been working on the development of a universal influenza vaccine, aiming to address the challenges posed by the constant mutation of the influenza virus and the need for annual vaccine reformulation.
The country's influenza vaccine research has been supported by collaborations with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has worked closely with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) for over 20 years to detect and track seasonal and novel influenza viruses. These collaborative efforts have contributed to China's advanced capabilities in monitoring influenza viruses and assessing their risk to public health. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC and China CDC held virtual meetings to discuss vaccine preparedness and other relevant topics.
Vaccine Rules: Boston's Proof-of-Vaccination Requirements
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$11.93 $21.99
Experts question China's lack of transparency
China has made significant breakthroughs in developing inactivated virus vaccines, which can prevent viral diseases such as influenza, hepatitis, and poliomyelitis. In 2009, Sinovac developed the world's first influenza A (H1N1) virus vaccine, establishing China's prominent position in influenza vaccine research.
However, there has been criticism of China's lack of transparency during the COVID-19 pandemic. An investigation by the WHO into the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was criticised by heads of state from the US, the EU, and other WHO member countries for its lack of transparency and incomplete access to data. The Chinese government has also been accused of spreading disinformation about the pandemic, with the US military conducting a covert operation to spread doubts about the safety of Chinese vaccines. This campaign of misinformation contributed to low vaccination coverage and increased death rates from COVID-19 in the Philippines.
The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories has also led to increasing distrust of medical authorities and political fragmentation. Health experts have condemned these actions, highlighting the damage done to public trust and global health.
In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, China has recently been battling a mosquito-borne virus, chikungunya, which has triggered a travel warning from the US. While chikungunya is not uncommon in other parts of the world, large outbreaks are unusual in China. To stop the spread, local authorities have enlisted workers to disperse insecticide and clear stagnant water, while residents have been urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Vaccination Rules in Arizona: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Ixchiq vaccine, developed by the European vaccine company Valneva, was approved for adults 18 and up at risk of exposure to the chikungunya virus in China in 2023.
The Ixchiq vaccine has been reported to have severe neurological and cardiac side effects, including two deaths. Other adverse reactions include severe headaches, dizziness, intense nerve pain, trouble with balance, fainting, extreme muscle aches, and severe joint and back pain.
There is currently no vaccine for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Antiviral treatment is also not recommended.
