Vimkunya
Vimkunya is an FDA-approved vaccine that helps protect adults and teens 12 years and older from chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquitoes. It’s mainly used for people traveling to or living in areas where the virus is a risk. The vaccine teaches your immune system to make antibodies so your body can fight off the virus without making you sick. A healthcare professional gives it as a single injection, typically in your arm, a few weeks before you travel. Common side effects include pain where you got the shot, tiredness, and headache.
What is Vimkunya?
What is Vimkunya used for?
- Prevention of chikungunya
How Vimkunya works
Vimkunya is a recombinant vaccine that helps protect you from the chikungunya virus. It contains small, harmless pieces that look like the virus but can’t cause an infection. These pieces teach your immune system to make antibodies against the virus.
If you’re exposed to chikungunya later, these antibodies help your immune system recognize and fight off the virus faster to protect you from getting sick.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Vimkunya |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Vimkunya
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Ages 12-64
- Injection site pain (24%)
- Tiredness (20%)
- Headache (18%)
- Muscle pain (18%)
Ages 65 and older
- Injection site pain (5%)
- Tiredness (6%)
- Muscle pain (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
Ages 12-64
- Redness
- Swelling
- Chills
- Nausea
- Fever
Ages 65 and older
- Chills
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Nausea
Vimkunya serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reactions: trouble breathing, swelling, rash, hives
The following Vimkunya side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Fever
- General discomfort and fatigue
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Pros and cons of Vimkunya
Pros
- Only need a single injection
- Approved for adults and teens ages 12 and up
- Currently the only chikungunya vaccine available in the US
- Vimkunya acts fast, building protection in as little as 1 to 2 weeks
Cons
- Must be injected into the muscle by a trained healthcare professional
- Not much is known about how well it works long term
- Lower protection in people with a weakened immune system
- Doesn’t protect against other mosquito-borne infections like dengue or Zika
Pharmacist tips for Vimkunya
- Vimkunya is given as a single injection, typically in the upper arm by a healthcare professional.
- Plan to get Vimkunya at least a few weeks before you travel. While your body starts building protection within a couple of weeks, getting vaccinated early gives your immune system enough time to build full protection before entering areas where chikungunya is present.
- If you’re currently feeling very sick or have a high fever on the day of your appointment, it’s best to reschedule your vaccination until you recover. But you can still safely get the vaccine if you only have a mild cold or low grade fever.
- If you experience mild arm soreness after getting Vimkunya, gently moving your arm around or applying a cool compress can help reduce pain and swelling around the injection site.
- Even after receiving Vimkunya, continue using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves, and staying in screened-in areas when visiting places with mosquitoes. While the vaccine helps protect against chikungunya, combining it with mosquito protection gives you the best defense against chikungunya and other mosquito-borne infections.
- Seek immediate emergency care if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction after receiving Vimkunya, such as swelling of your face or throat, trouble breathing, or hives.
- After getting Vimkunya, if you experience severe or prolonged fever, severe joint or muscle pain, or an unusual allergic reaction, contact your prescriber immediately and report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
- Pregnancy: Let your prescriber know if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant so they can discuss the risks and benefits of receiving Vimkunya with you. If you’re vaccinated during pregnancy, you can join a pregnancy registry that tracks the vaccine’s safety.
- Breastfeeding: There isn’t much information about receiving Vimkunya while breastfeeding. But recombinant vaccines like Vimkunya are generally considered safe, and you don’t need to stop breastfeeding if you need the vaccine. Talk to your prescriber about getting vaccinated while breastfeeding.
Risks and warnings for Vimkunya
Vimkunya can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions
Vimkunya can rarely cause a severe allergic reaction. The healthcare professional giving you the vaccine might ask you to stay for a short time afterward to make sure you feel okay. Get emergency medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your face or throat, trouble breathing, rash, hives, or severe dizziness.
Lower protection in people with weakened immune systems
- Risk factors: Conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medication that weakens the body’s immune response
Vimkunya might not work as well in people who have a weakened immune system. This includes people taking medications that lower their immune system like steroids, chemotherapy, or organ transplant drugs). Certain health conditions, such as HIV, cancer, or autoimmune conditions, can also weaken your immune system.
Tell your prescriber about all your health conditions and the medications you take so they can help you decide if Vimkunya is right for you.
Fainting
- Risk factors: History of fainting after getting a vaccine
Some people might faint after getting an injectable vaccine, like Vimkunya. Fainting can sometimes cause short term symptoms, such as changes in vision, numbness, tingling, or sudden movements in the arms or legs. Tell your care team if you’ve fainted after a vaccine before so they can take steps to keep you safe.
Vimkunya dosage
Syringe| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8ml dose of | 1 syringe | $301.13 | $301.13 |
Typical dosage for Vimkunya
The typical dose is a single 0.8 mL injection given into the muscle, usually in the upper arm near your shoulder,by a trained healthcare professional.
How much does Vimkunya cost?
$301.13
Vimkunya images
