Island Grapples with Lingering Virus Threat

Despite ongoing efforts, a virus continues to actively circulate on the island, as evidenced by persistent indicators. Since the beginning of the year, health authorities have reported 66 severe cases, primarily affecting individuals over 65 years of age who are also experiencing multiple organ failures. Vaccination programs were initially implemented to mitigate such severe outcomes. However, public trust in the vaccine has waned, compounded by recent reports of adverse reactions.

Deaths Linked to IXCHIQ Vaccine Spark Controversy

Two deaths have been linked to the IXCHIQ vaccine, further fueling public apprehension. The most recent case involves a 77-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a statement on May 7 acknowledging a second death potentially caused by the vaccine. However, this declaration was not mirrored by the Ministry of Health or the Regional Health Agency (ARS), raising concerns about clarity.

Eric Ismael, vice-president of Komité Pangar, voiced his concerns regarding the lack of official communication:

What is worrying is that this information I find on the Internet by reading a dispatch from Reuters when normally it is up to the health authorities from communicating. the American drug agency saeid since april 14, that it was not recommended to give this vaccine to people over the age of 65 with comorbidities. However, the test continued in Reunion and we are in a test phase.
Eric Ismael, vice-president of Komité Pangar

This perceived silence from health authorities has ignited debate and prompted questions about the handling of vaccine-related information.

Questionable Testing Protocols Raise Ethical Concerns

Komité Pangar alleges that the established testing phases for the IXCHIQ vaccine were not adequately followed. This raises significant concerns about the potential risks to elderly and vulnerable populations. Ismael elaborated on the committee’s concerns:

We have a vaccine that has been developed by Valneva, we are in phase 4, that is to say that it is generalized to a certain population. Phase 3 was interested in young and healthy people had an excellent success rate, but a dissemination of the vaccine on a phase 4 with people with comorbidities. It is indeed all the more disturbing as there were two deaths.
Eric Ismael, vice-president of Komité Pangar

The committee suggests that while initial trials on younger, healthier individuals showed promise, the widespread administration of the vaccine during Phase 4, particularly to individuals with pre-existing conditions, may have unforeseen consequences.

Details Emerge Regarding Reported Fatalities

Details surrounding the reported fatalities are beginning to surface. The 77-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease reportedly developed swallowing difficulties, which later led to pneumonia. The first reported death linked to the chikungunya vaccine occurred on April 26, involving an 84-year-old man who developed encephalitis.

Vaccination Guidelines Under Scrutiny

As the vaccination campaign’s inception, 17 serious cases have been reported in individuals aged 62 to 89. Current vaccination guidelines stipulate that the vaccine is available to individuals aged 18 to 64. As of today, the ARS has not responded to requests for comment regarding these developments.