A new chikungunya vaccine is available, who is it recommended for?

While numerous cases of chikungunya are being detected in France, a new preventive vaccine is available and recommended for certain people.

A second vaccine arrives at the right time. More than 1,500 cases of chikungunya—about fifteen of them indigenous—have been detected in mainland France since the beginning of the year, particularly since May, the start of the tiger mosquito's active period. Overseas, the epidemic is now "low intensity" in Réunion, but has been intensifying in Mayotte since the end of April. A new preventive vaccine was therefore expected in this context of active circulation of the virus in many places around the world.

Marketed by the Bavarian Nordic laboratory, the Vimkunya vaccine received its marketing authorization in Europe in February 2025. It has been available by prescription, in pharmacies or at travel vaccination centers, since June. It is recommended by the High Council of Public Health for certain travelers. These are 12-65 year olds who have comorbidities, in the event of a stay "in an area where an epidemic is proven," "in the event of an extended stay," or "repeated stays in an area where active circulation of the virus" is observed.

Vaccination with Vimkunya is only "to be considered" for those over 65 and those aged 12-65 who do not have comorbidities when traveling in the same situations. It is not currently recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, pending additional data.

The other chikungunya vaccine already available, Ixchiq (Valneva), is "to be considered" for those aged 18-64, except for immunocompromised people who travel to areas where the virus is circulating. It was originally also available for those over 65, but several people in this age group suffered serious adverse effects (and even 3 deaths) during the vaccination campaign in Réunion.

The new Vimkunya vaccine thus meets a need among adolescents, those over 65, and vulnerable people who were unable to be vaccinated with the live attenuated Ixchiq vaccine. It could thus increase the population's protection against chikungunya in areas where there is an epidemic. Clinical trials of Vimkunya have shown an efficacy of 98% at 22 days after the injection, and 87% in those over 65. The immune response is maintained for at least 6 months, according tothe European Medicines Agency .