Chikungunya Vaccination
Single-dose live attenuated vaccine offering protection against the chikungunya virus — recommended for travellers to tropical and subtropical regions.
Overview
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes — the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and Zika. The disease causes sudden fever and severe joint pain that can persist for months or even years, significantly affecting quality of life.
At Gloucester Travel Clinic, we offer Ixchiq® — the first licensed chikungunya vaccine in the UK. It is a single-dose live attenuated vaccine that provides strong, durable protection against chikungunya disease.
The virus is endemic across large parts of tropical Africa, South and South-East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Indian Ocean islands, and Central and South America. Outbreaks have also occurred in southern Europe. Risk is highest during the wet season when mosquito populations peak.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Chikungunya vaccination is recommended for:
- Travellers to tropical Africa, South Asia, South-East Asia, and the Indian Ocean islands (e.g. Réunion, Mauritius, Maldives)
- Travellers visiting Central or South America or the Caribbean
- Those undertaking outdoor or rural activities in endemic areas where mosquito exposure is higher
- Long-stay travellers or expatriates living in endemic regions
- Travellers who cannot reliably use insect repellent or protective clothing
Our pharmacists will assess your specific destination and activities to advise whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
Vaccine Details & Pricing
| Vaccine | Ixchiq® (Valneva) — live attenuated |
| Doses required | 1 dose (single subcutaneous injection) |
| When to vaccinate | At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Duration of protection | Long-lasting — ongoing studies underway |
| Price | £190 per dose |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
A £20 consultation fee applies to first-visit patients for a full travel health risk assessment.
Side Effects & Contraindications
Because Ixchiq is a live vaccine, mild vaccine-related symptoms may occur, including:
- Headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pain for 1–3 days after vaccination
- Mild fever
- Soreness at the injection site
The vaccine is NOT suitable for:
- People who are immunocompromised (including those on immunosuppressant therapies, high-dose steroids, or with HIV)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People aged under 18
- Anyone with a known allergy to vaccine components
Our pharmacists will review your medical history before administering the vaccine to ensure it is safe for you.
Reducing Mosquito Bite Risk
Vaccination provides strong protection but should be used alongside sensible bite-prevention measures, as Aedes mosquitoes bite primarily during the day:
- Use a DEET-based insect repellent (at least 50% DEET) on exposed skin throughout the day
- Wear loose, light-coloured long sleeves and trousers
- Use air conditioning or window/door screens where available
- Sleep under a permethrin-treated mosquito net if accommodation is not fully screened