Chikungunya virus (chikv) virus-like particles (vlp) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated at a glance
Class
Recombinant, non-replicating virus-like particle vaccine with an aluminium-containing adjuvant.
Licensed age group
People aged 12 years and over.
Administration
Injected into the upper-arm muscle by a healthcare professional.
Routine use
Not routinely recommended; it may be considered after individual travel or occupational risk assessment.
Mosquito precautions
Continue preventing mosquito bites because vaccination may not protect everyone.
What is Chikungunya virus (chikv) virus-like particles (vlp) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated used for?
Licensed to prevent disease caused by chikungunya virus in people aged 12 years and over. It may be considered alongside mosquito precautions after individual risk assessment.
Travel to a region with an active chikungunya outbreak.
Long-term or frequent travel to regions with recent chikungunya transmission.
Occupational exposure, such as laboratory work involving chikungunya virus.
How does Chikungunya virus (chikv) virus-like particles (vlp) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated work?
Non-infectious particles resembling the virus stimulate neutralising antibodies but cannot reproduce or cause chikungunya. Aluminium hydroxide strengthens the immune response. Protection was inferred from antibody responses rather than direct clinical efficacy data.
How to take Chikungunya virus (chikv) virus-like particles (vlp) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated
A healthcare professional injects it into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. The pre-filled syringe is shaken immediately before use to form a uniform suspension. It must not be injected intravenously, intradermally or subcutaneously. Food does not affect administration.
Tell the clinician about allergies, immune suppression, fever, bleeding disorders, anticoagulants, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other recent or planned vaccines.
Mention any history of fainting with injections.
Continue mosquito-bite avoidance.
Chikungunya virus (chikv) virus-like particles (vlp) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site pain
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Joint pain
- General discomfort
- Nausea
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, wheezing, faintness, hives, or swelling of the lips, face or throat
Chikungunya virus (chikv) virus-like particles (vlp) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is limited, so safety cannot be fully established. A clinician should weigh exposure risk, pregnancy stage and possible fetal or newborn risks.
Chikungunya virus (chikv) virus-like particles (vlp) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether vaccine components pass into human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. Discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and clinical need for vaccination with a clinician.
Chikungunya virus (chikv) virus-like particles (vlp) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated interactions
Formal medicine-interaction studies have not been performed. Tell the vaccinating clinician about medicines and other vaccines.
Other vaccines
Giving other vaccines at the same time has not been studied; the clinician should assess the vaccination plan.
Systemic immunosuppressants, including high-dose corticosteroids and cancer treatments
The immune response may be reduced. Safety and effectiveness have not been assessed in immunocompromised people.
Anticoagulants
Intramuscular injection may increase bleeding or bruising, requiring additional care.
Common questions about Chikungunya virus (chikv) virus-like particles (vlp) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is Vimkunya a live vaccine?
No. It is a non-replicating virus-like particle vaccine and cannot cause chikungunya.
Does vaccination replace mosquito-bite precautions?
No. Continue using suitable repellent, covering exposed skin and following destination-specific travel advice.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.