Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders - Weighted-Average Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share as They Had Anti-Dilutive Effect (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Employee Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average common stock equivalents excluded from calculation of diluted net loss per share	1,153,444	826,748
Vaccinex Products, LP Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average common stock equivalents excluded from calculation of diluted net loss per share		1,147,259
VX3
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average common stock equivalents excluded from calculation of diluted net loss per share		1,309,028