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Overview: Vimkunya is a vaccine that helps protect against chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquitoes.The vaccine works by preparing your immune system to fight the virus if you are bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common side effects are pain at the injection site and tiredness. Vimkunya is given by a health care provider as an injection into a muscle and may be recommended if you are going to certain areas in the world.

Uses

What is Vimkunya used for?

Vimkunya (chikungunya vaccine, recombinant) is commonly given to help prevent illness from chikungunya, which is a virus spread by infected mosquitoes.

How does Vimkunya work (mechanism of action)?

Vimkunya is made with virus-like particles from the chikungunya virus. It helps trigger your immune system to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the chikungunya virus. These antibodies can help protect you from getting sick if you are bitten by an infected mosquito. 

How should I store Vimkunya?

Vimkunya is usually given by a health care provider in a pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vimkunya?

The most common side effects of Vimkunya are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain or tenderness at the injection site
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain

There may be other side effects of Vimkunya that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Vimkunya?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Vimkunya are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vimkunya may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not receive Vimkunya?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive Vimkunya.

  • Vimkunya
  • Chikungunya vaccine, recombinant
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product 

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Vimkunya.

What should I know about Vimkunya before using it?

Vimkunya is a shot that is given by a health care provider. It is injected into a muscle. 

Vimkunya may not fully protect everyone from getting chikungunya, and it does not prevent other diseases that can be spread by mosquitoes. Even after getting this vaccine, it is still important to protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves, using bug spray, and sleeping under a mosquito net if outside or in a room with open windows and no window screens.

Vimkunya does not contain the live chikungunya virus and cannot give you a disease caused by this virus. 

What should I tell my health care provider before receiving Vimkunya?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Vimkunya is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Weakened Immune System. If your immune system is not working as well as it should be, there is a chance Vimkunya may not work as well as expected. Tell your health care provider if you have a weakened immune system from a medicine such as high doses of steroids or chemotherapy or if you are  immunocompromised due to a health condition such as cancer or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Reactions to Vaccines. Before getting Vimkunya, tell your health care provider if you have had an allergic reaction to any vaccines. Let them know if you have had any other serious reactions, such as fainting, after receiving any vaccines in the past.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vimkunya may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before getting Vimkunya, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also make sure that you discuss if you plan to get Vimkunya at the same time as other vaccines. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Vimkunya could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should receive Vimkunya while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

If you receive Vimkunya during pregnancy, or if you become pregnant around the time of getting the Vimkunya vaccine, you can sign up for the Vimkunya Pregnancy Registry by calling 888-230-2491 or visiting www.bnpregnancyregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of Vimkunya during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Vimkunya passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should get Vimkunya while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Vimkunya?

For more information about Vimkunya, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.vimkunya.com or call them at 844-422-8274.

Interactions

Does Vimkunya interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Vimkunya and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vimkunya. 

Does Vimkunya interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before receiving Vimkunya.

  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions, asthma, or COPD
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others) or mycophenolate (Cellcept and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vimkunya. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally receive too much Vimkunya?

Vimkunya is given by a healthcare provider. Keep a record of all vaccines you receive and share it with your healthcare provider. If you have any side effects, please report them by calling 800-822-7967 or filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov.