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 and 333-30181. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP San Diego, California March 27, 1998