EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K, into Vical Incorporated's previously filed Registration Statements Files No. 33-60826, No. 33-60824, No. 33-81602, No. 33-81600, No. 33-87972, No. 333-30181, No. 333-60293, No. 333-80681 and No. 333-66254. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP San Diego, California March 25, 2002