Chikungunya vaccination for travellers: practical guidance for clinical decision-making

Two vaccines have been licensed to prevent chikungunya, a live attenuated vaccine (IXCHIQ) manufactured by Valneva and a virus-like particle chikungunya vaccine (VIMKUNYA) manufactured by Bavarian Nordic. One or both vaccines are now available in many countries globally, including Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, United States and some European countries and territories.

While the absence of a head-to-head study limits comparative inferences, the two vaccines have several different characteristics that should be considered when advising individual travellers. We outline key information on the vaccines including immunogenicity and safety data, recommendations for use in travellers and guidance for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Knowledge of the profiles and key features of the live attenuated and virus-like particle vaccines will enable healthcare providers to better advise travellers who are considering chikungunya vaccination.