The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance on the use of the chikungunya vaccine, opening the door for travelers to get vaccinated against this mosquito-borne viral illness before their trips.
These recommendations signal a new era of protection for those venturing to areas with chikungunya risk.
What Is Chikungunya and Which Mosquito is Responsible for it?
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same type that spreads Zika, dengue, and yellow fever. It causes fever and severe joint pain, along with other symptoms like muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.
Which medicine is best for Chikungunya?
While chikungunya is rarely life-threatening, the joint pain can be extremely debilitating and long-lasting. Some patients experience chronic joint pain lasting for months or even years after the initial illness. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya other than managing the symptoms.
Which countries have the Chikungunya virus?
The virus is found in Africa, Asia, Europe, Indian and Pacific Ocean regions. Outbreaks have occurred in countries like India, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and Pakistan in recent years. With climate change and global travel, there is a risk of further spread.
Chikungunya Vaccine for Travelers
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends the chikungunya vaccine for the following groups of travelers aged 18 and older:
Travelers visiting a country or territory experiencing an ongoing chikungunya outbreak
Adults over 65, especially those with underlying medical conditions, traveling to areas with evidence of chikungunya transmission within the past 5 years, if they are likely to have at least moderate mosquito exposure during their trip
Travelers staying for a cumulative period of 6 months or longer in areas with recent chikungunya transmission
Moderate mosquito exposure is defined as at least 2 cumulative weeks of potential indoor or outdoor exposure to mosquitoes.
Chikungunya Vaccine for Lab Workers
In addition to travelers, CDC recommends the chikungunya vaccine for laboratory workers with potential exposure to the chikungunya virus through their work.
This includes professionals working in virology labs, diagnostic laboratories, research facilities, and public health laboratories where they handle blood samples, tissue samples, or other bodily fluids from infected individuals for testing or research purposes.
Additionally, scientists conducting experiments on the chikungunya virus or working with infected animals in a laboratory setting could also be at risk of exposure.
Does the Chikungunya Vaccine Offer Lifelong Immunity?
The chikungunya vaccine recently approved by the FDA is called IXCHIQ, manufactured by Valneva. It's a live, attenuated vaccine and is currently the only chikungunya vaccine licensed in the United States. And, it's given as a single 0.5mL intramuscular dose to adults aged 18 years and older.
As this is a relatively new vaccine, long-term studies are ongoing to determine if lifelong immunity is achieved. Therefore, it's not yet conclusive whether the chikungunya vaccine offers lifelong immunity. The current data only supports its effectiveness for a limited period, and more time and research are needed to fully understand the long-term protection it provides.
Where Can I Get the Chikungunya Vaccine?
Travel clinics such as Away Clinic in Arizona
Some primary care physicians' offices
Specialized vaccination centers
Public health departments (in some areas)
These new CDC recommendations, adopted on February 28, 2024, open the door for travelers to get vaccinated against chikungunya before their trips. Away Clinic in Arizona now offers the chikungunya vaccine, allowing you to protect yourself from this viral illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
Don't let chikungunya ruin your adventure. Book an appointment at Away Clinic at your nearest travel clinic in Chandler, Phoenix, or Scottsdale to get vaccinated against this mosquito-borne illness before your next trip.
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