Chikungunya Vaccination
The chikungunya vaccine protects against chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne illness that causes high fever and severe, often long-lasting joint pain. It is recommended for travellers visiting affected tropical and subtropical regions.
£150 per dose — single-dose course
Who it is for
Adults travelling to areas with current or recent chikungunya transmission, particularly during outbreaks or longer stays
Number of doses
A single dose
When to have it
Ideally at least 2 weeks before travel
How long protection lasts
A durable antibody response; long-term duration and any need for boosters remain under review
How it is given
An injection into the upper arm
Price
£150 per dose
Quick answer
The chikungunya vaccine is a single-dose injection that protects against chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease causing fever and severe joint pain. It is recommended for adults travelling to affected regions of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas, especially during outbreaks. The chikungunya vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About Chikungunya Vaccination
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same daytime-biting mosquitoes that transmit dengue and Zika. The illness typically causes a sudden high fever, rash and intense joint pain that can persist for weeks, months or in some cases years after the initial infection.
The virus is found across many parts of the tropics and subtropics, and outbreaks can occur quickly in areas where the mosquito is present. There is no specific antiviral treatment, so prevention through mosquito-bite avoidance and vaccination is the most effective approach.
A single-dose chikungunya vaccine is now available for adults travelling to higher-risk areas. Your travel health nurse will assess your itinerary, planned activities and individual risk factors to advise whether the vaccine is suitable for you.
Timing
At least 2 weeks before travel
The single dose is ideally given at least two weeks before departure to allow your immune system time to respond.
Effectiveness
High level of protection
Clinical studies show the vaccine produces a strong protective immune response in the large majority of adults who receive it.
Duration
Long-term (under review)
A single dose generates a durable antibody response, and the long-term duration of protection and any need for boosters continue to be studied.
Signs & symptoms
- Sudden high fever
- Severe joint pain, often in the hands and feet
- Muscle aches and joint swelling
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Tiredness, with joint pain that may last for weeks or months
Who should consider this vaccine?
Vaccination may be advised for adults travelling to areas with current or recent chikungunya transmission, particularly those staying for longer periods or visiting during outbreaks. It is especially worth considering for travellers spending time outdoors or in rural settings. Your travel health nurse will assess your destination and risk before recommending it.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
Chikungunya vaccination may be advised for adults travelling to areas of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas and the Indian Ocean and Pacific islands where the virus is present. The vaccine is especially worth considering for those visiting during an outbreak, staying for longer periods, or spending time outdoors or in rural settings where exposure to daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes is higher. Your travel health nurse will assess your destination, itinerary and individual risk factors to advise whether vaccination is suitable for you.
- Travellers to regions with active or recent chikungunya transmission
- Those staying for extended periods or visiting friends and relatives
- Travellers spending significant time outdoors or in rural areas
- Older travellers and those with underlying joint or chronic conditions, who may be at greater risk of prolonged symptoms
The vaccination course
The chikungunya vaccine is given as a single dose by injection, usually into the upper arm. To allow your immune system time to build protection before potential exposure, the dose is ideally given at least two weeks before you travel. No further doses are routinely required before travel. Vaccination should always be combined with measures to avoid mosquito bites, as no vaccine offers complete protection.
- A single dose given by injection into the upper arm
- Ideally administered at least 2 weeks before departure
- No routine booster needed before travel
- Continue mosquito-bite avoidance measures alongside vaccination
How long does protection last
Clinical studies show that a single dose produces a strong protective immune response in the large majority of adults who receive it, with a durable antibody response. As the chikungunya vaccine is relatively new, the exact long-term duration of protection and any need for booster doses continue to be studied. Your travel health nurse can give you the most up-to-date advice at your appointment.
- A single dose generates a strong, durable antibody response
- Protection develops in the weeks following vaccination
- Long-term duration and booster requirements remain under review
Possible side effects
Most side effects from the chikungunya vaccine are mild and settle within a few days. Common reactions include tenderness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, along with headache, tiredness, mild fever or muscle and joint aches. Serious reactions are uncommon. Your travel health nurse will discuss any individual considerations with you before vaccination and advise on managing any after-effects.
- Tenderness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Headache, tiredness or general feeling of being unwell
- Muscle and joint aches or a mild fever
- Serious reactions are uncommon