Chikungunya Vaccines

Key points

  • Two chikungunya vaccines are available in the United States: a live-attenuated vaccine (called IXCHIQ) and a virus-like particle vaccine (called VIMKUNYA).
  • Some travelers at higher risk of exposure to chikungunya virus should consider getting vaccinated before their trip.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider if traveling to an area with risk for chikungunya.
Gloved hands placing a bandaid on an arm

Available vaccines

Two chikungunya vaccines are available in the United States:

  • A live-attenuated vaccine (called IXCHIQ) that uses a weakened form of the chikungunya virus to prompt an immune response to help prevent disease.
  • A virus-like particle vaccine (called VIMKUNYA) that uses a molecule that resembles the virus closely enough to prompt an immune response to help prevent illness. This vaccine does not use a live or weakened form of the chikungunya virus.

Restricted use of live-attenuated (IXCHIQ) vaccine for people 60 years and older

ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø and FDA investigated five hospitalizations for cardiac (heart) or neurologic (nervous system) events following vaccination with IXCHIQ among older people in 2024 and 2025. Findings from the investigations were discussed with national immunization experts at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting on April 16, 2025. We are also aware of in older people in other countries. people 60 years and older should not get the live-attenuated vaccine until these additional reports are further investigated.

Recommendations

Live-attenuated vaccine

  • Approved for use in adults 18 years and older*

  • Recommended for adults traveling to an area with a chikungunya outbreak. Also recommended for laboratory workers who might be exposed to the virus.
  • Considered for adults traveling or moving to an area with elevated risk for U.S. travelers if planning to stay for an extended period of time (for example, 6 months or more).
  • Single dose vaccine
*Age 65 years and older is a precaution for use of the live-attenuated vaccine. ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø and FDA also advise a pause on use of this vaccine for people aged 60 years and older while serious adverse events in this age group are further investigated.

Virus-like particle vaccine

  • Approved for use in people 12 years and older

  • Recommended for adolescents and adults traveling to an area with a chikungunya outbreak. Also recommended for laboratory workers who might be exposed to the virus.
  • Considered for adolescents and adults traveling or moving to an area with elevated risk for U.S. travelers if planning to stay for an extended period of time (for example, 6 months or more).
  • Single dose vaccine

Keep in mind

Live-attenuated vaccine

  • People with a weakened immune system or history of a severe allergic reaction to any component of the live-attenuated vaccine should not get vaccinated.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss with a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of the live-attenuated vaccine, compared to the risk of chikungunya illness.
  • Age 65 and older is a precaution for the live-attenuated vaccine. Additionally, there is currently a recommended pause on use of this vaccine for people 60 years and older while serious adverse events in older people are investigated.

Virus-like particle vaccine

  • People with a history of a severe allergic reaction to any component of the virus-like particle vaccine should not get vaccinated.
  • Pregnant women should discuss with a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of the virus-like particle vaccine, compared to the risk of chikungunya illness. People with weakened immune systems might not get as much protection from vaccination.
Keep Reading: Chikungunya Vaccine Information for Health Care Providers

What to consider before traveling

If traveling to an area with risk for chikungunya, talk to your healthcare provider about these factors to help with your decision on vaccination:

  • Symptoms of chikungunya and possible long-term joint problems after infection
  • Benefits and possible side effects of vaccination
  • Outbreaks or ongoing disease activity at your destination
  • Duration of travel or residence, including likelihood of future travel to an area with chikungunya
  • Your age (for example, older than 65 years)
  • Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Underlying medical conditions that may increase your risk for severe disease (such as diabetes or heart disease)
  • Conditions that may increase the risk for long-term joint pain after infection (such as joint disease)
  • Your personal preferences for vaccination based on these factors
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)