The first chikungunya vaccine may soon be available as the results of Phase 3 trials of a single-shot vaccination created by French Biotech Company Valneva shows promising results in a study conducted in the US. The vaccine is typically safe, well tolerated, and induces an immune response.

If it is successful, it will greatly impact countries like India, where chikungunya is an epidemic disease. According to findings from phase 3 trials reported in The Lancet, 99% (263/266) of individuals had neutralizing antibody levels following a single vaccination, which are believed to protect against chikungunya.

Chikungunya is characterized by headaches, tiredness, and joint and muscular discomfort. Fever also develops in patients four to eight days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The joint pain can be chronic, lasting for weeks, months, or even years, and is frequently unbearable for a few days. During these 4-8 days, the chikungunya virus may spread. Despite the rarity of serious illness and death, specialists suggest that elderly adults and newborns are particularly vulnerable.

To date, no licensed vaccinations or effective antiviral medications are available to treat or prevent the illness brought on by CHIKV infection at this time. 

The studys principal author stated that the findings demonstrated good antibody persistence following immunization, which is significant given that chikungunya epidemics can quickly reappear.

(Source:https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/phase-3-trials-find-1-shot-chikungunya-vaccine-safe-effective-lancet/100949747)