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Chikungunya Vaccine

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Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which are most active during the day and at dawn and dusk. The virus can cause fever and severe joint pain, particularly in travellers to affected regions such as Africa, Caribbean and Central America. In November 2024, nearly 112 cases were reported among UK travellers, according to Public Health England.

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Vaccination Pricing

£180 Per dose
£180 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

Sudden joint pain (especially in the back and knees)
High fever
Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Skin rash

The infection usually clears within 1–2 weeks, but joint pain can sometimes last for months or even years, leading to long-term discomfort or disability.

James Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 522 880

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

19 St Georges Road, Cheltenham GL50 3DT

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Wymans Brook Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 221 988

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Unit 1, Windyridge Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4RA

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The Vaccination

Ages (Years)	Doses Required	Schedule	Time before travel	Boost required at
18-59	1	–	2 weeks or more	N/A

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral illness caused by the chikungunya virus, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The disease is found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and some areas of the Pacific. Although rarely life-threatening, chikungunya can cause debilitating joint pain that may last for weeks or even months, affecting quality of life during and after travel.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

Chikungunya is spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are most active during the daytime. These mosquitoes can also transmit other diseases like dengue and Zika. Bite prevention also remains essential. This includes using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets, and staying in well-screened or air-conditioned accommodation.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms typically appear 3 to 7 days after a mosquito bite and may include:

Sudden high fever
Severe joint pain (often in the hands and feet)
Headache
Muscle pain
Skin rash
Fatigue

Most people recover fully, but joint pain can persist for months, especially in older adults or those with underlying health conditions.

How long does the vaccine last?

The IXCHIQ vaccine is a single-dose vaccine that offers protection against chikungunya. Protection is expected to be long-lasting after one dose.

Countries I need to be aware of

Chikungunya is found in various tropical and subtropical regions. Risk exists in:

The Caribbean (e.g., Jamaica, Dominican Republic)
Central and South America (e.g., Brazil, El Salvador)
Africa (e.g., Kenya, Nigeria)
South and Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Thailand, Indonesia)
The Western Pacific

Outbreaks can occur rapidly, particularly in urban or semi-urban areas.

Side effects of vaccination

The IXCHIQ vaccine is generally well tolerated, but like all vaccines, it can cause some side effects. The most common include headache, tiredness, muscle or joint aches, mild fever, and redness or swelling at the injection site. Some people may also feel slightly sick (nausea), or have changes in blood tests, such as low white blood cell counts or mildly raised liver enzymes.