Chikungunya vaccine | Walgreens

Chikungunya vaccine

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Quick facts
Recommended for
Age 12+ with increased risk of exposure
Frequency
1 dose

What is chikungunya virus?

Chikungunya virus is a pathogen transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Transmission through blood is also possible.

Chikungunya virus cases have been found in more than 100 countries in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, and the Caribbean, Indian and Pacific Oceans. There is a risk that infected travelers may spread the virus to unaffected areas.

Typically, people infected with chikungunya virus will develop symptoms within three to seven days after a mosquito bite. The most common symptoms include fever and joint pain, but other symptoms may also include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or rash. While most people feel better within a week, severe cases may last months. Newborns, adults 65+ and those with weakened immune systems due to underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of experiencing severe cases.

There are currently no medications to treat chikungunya virus. Rest, fluids and select over-the-counter pain medications may relieve some symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved VIMKUNYA, a virus-like particle vaccine, for use in individuals 12 years of age and older.
    • VIMKUNYA may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine. You should still protect yourself from mosquito bites even if you have received the VIMKUNYA vaccine. VIMKUNYA does not protect against other diseases transmitted by mosquitos.
    • To learn more about the chikungunya vaccine from the CDC, visit the CDC website.
    • People 12 years of age and older should receive 1 dose of VIMKUNYA before travelling to a country or territory where a chikungunya outbreak is occurring.
    • People 12 years of age and older should consider receiving 1 dose of VIMKUNYA before travelling or moving to a country or territory with elevated risk for U.S. travelers if planning to stay for an extended period of time (e.g., 6 months or more)
    • Laboratory workers with potential exposure to chikungunya virus should receive 1 dose of VIMKUNYA.
    • You should not get the chikungunya vaccine if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to any component of the vaccine.
    • Pregnant or breastfeeding persons should consult a healthcare provider before receiving the chikungunya vaccine.
    • In patients 12 through 64 years of age who received VIMKUNYA, the most common side effects were injection site pain, fatigue, headache and muscle pain.
    • In patients 65 years of age and older who received VIMKUNYA, the most common side effects were injection site pain, muscle pain and fatigue.

If you believe you have a medical emergency, please call 911.

References:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chikungunya virus. 6 March 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/index.html. Accessed 10/6/25.


U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment and Prevention of Chikungunya Virus Disease. 16 May 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/hcp/treatment-prevention/ . Accessed 10/6/25.


U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Transmission of Chikungunya Virus. 6 Dec. 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/php/transmission/index.html . Accessed on 10/6/25.


U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ACIP Recommendations. 8 Aug. 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/acip/vaccine-recommendations/index.html . Accessed 10/6/25.


U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chikungunya Virus: Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment. 6 Dec. 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/ . Accessed 10/6/25.


U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chikungunya in Timor-Leste. 8 Feb. 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level2/chikungunya-timor-leste . Accessed 10/6/25.


U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chikungunya Vaccine Information for Healthcare Providers. 22 Aug. 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/hcp/vaccines/index.html . Accessed 10/6/25.