Protecting Against Chikungunya Virus
Vimkunya™ (chikungunya vaccine, recombinant) is now available in the United States for individuals 12 years and older. This vaccine prevents disease caused by the chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne infection.
Availability for Travelers and At-Risk Individuals
Bavarian Nordic, the vaccine manufacturer, announced that healthcare providers and travel clinics can now stock Vimkunya. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for those traveling to areas experiencing chikungunya outbreaks.
Who Should Consider Vaccination?
Vaccination is recommended for:
- Travelers visiting regions with active chikungunya outbreaks.
- Individuals aged 65 and older, especially those with underlying health conditions who may have moderate exposure to mosquitoes.
- Those staying for six months or longer in areas with evidence of chikungunya transmission in the past five years.
Clinical Trials and Effectiveness
Regulatory approval for Vimkunya was based on two Phase 3 studies involving over 3,500 healthy participants aged 12 and older. These trials measured anti-chikungunya virus neutralizing antibody levels, which exceeded the threshold set for seroprotection.
Common Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effects include:
- For individuals aged 12-64 years: Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain (myalgia).
- For individuals 65 years and older: Injection site pain, muscle pain, and fatigue.
Vaccine Administration
Vimkunya is administered intramuscularly as a single 0.8mL dose. It is available as an injectable suspension in a pre-filled syringe.
A Major Step in Global Health Protection
As reported by clinicaladvisor, Lee Ann Kimak, Vice President, Commercial for North America at Bavarian Nordic, emphasized the significance of the vaccine’s availability:
“The commercial availability of Vimkunya in the US underscores our commitment to addressing emerging health threats and safeguarding communities nationwide. As the first virus-like particle single-dose, pre-filled syringe chikungunya vaccine, Vimkunya provides a crucial new tool to help protect at-risk individuals traveling to regions where the virus is spreading.”
With this new advancement, travelers and high-risk individuals now have access to a vital defense against chikungunya virus infection.