The first ever chikungunya vaccine is starting to be rolled out. Could it help bring an end to this mosquito-borne disease?
A chikungunya vaccine could stop millions of cases of the mosquito-borne disease that is widely prevalent in the Americas, Africa and South-East Asia. This is according to a study in Nature Medicine studying the potential impact of the vaccine.
A vaccine against the disease spread by the Aedes mosquito has been urgently needed for decades, and two β Valnevaβs IXCHIQ and Vimkunya developed by Bavarian Nordicβ have now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). IXCHIQ is supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
While chikungunya rarely kills, its impact is often long-term. Around 1 in 1,000 cases proves fatal but as many as 50% of survivors suffer persistent joint pain for months, severely impacting quality of life. With climate change expanding the range of Aedes mosquitoes, outbreaks are increasingly expected in new areas, including southern Europe and across the Americas.
Key partners for Gavi include governments of developing countries, donor governments, theΒ World Bank,Β and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Moderna is a partner with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Vaccine name is Mrna-1388
Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease, is set to become preventable. With two new vaccines approved, millions of cases could be averted. The next step: ensuring access to these vaccines in the places that need them most. https://t.co/B99eTTM6Th
— Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi) June 23, 2025
Bill Gates funds the world's largest mosquito factory, which breeds 30 million bacteria-infused mosquitos per week, then releases them on the unsuspecting public "to save and improve millions of lives". pic.twitter.com/6s4ZgZWZ36
— Wide Awake Media (@wideawake_media) January 31, 2025
