Acceptability of a Chikungunya Virus Vaccine, United States Virgin Islands

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2022 Dec 26;108(2):363-365. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0429. Print 2023 Feb 1.

Abstract

Chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne alphavirus, causes acute febrile illness with polyarthralgia. Groups at risk for severe disease include neonates, people with underlying medical conditions, and those aged ≥ 65 years. Several chikungunya vaccines are in late clinical development with licensure expected in the United States during 2023. We administered a questionnaire to randomly selected households in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to assess interest in a hypothetical chikungunya vaccine. Estimates were calibrated to age and sex of USVI population, and univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Of 966 participants, 520 (adjusted 56%, 95% CI = 51-60%) were interested in receiving the vaccine. Of 446 participants not interested in vaccination, 203 (adjusted 47%, 95% CI = 41-52%) cited safety concerns as the reason. Educational efforts addressing vaccine safety concerns and risk factors for severe disease would likely improve vaccine acceptability and uptake among those most at risk.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chikungunya Fever* / epidemiology
  • Chikungunya Fever* / prevention & control
  • Chikungunya virus*
  • Culicidae*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • United States / epidemiology
  • United States Virgin Islands / epidemiology
  • Vaccines*

Substances

  • Vaccines