Chikungunya Vaccine: What UK Travellers Need to Know

Chikungunya (pronounced chik-en-gun-ya) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has been spreading globally at a rapid pace. If you’re planning to travel to tropical or subtropical regions, it’s important to understand the risks—and how vaccination can help protect you.

At Bromley Travel Clinic, we’re here to help you stay safe during your travels with the latest in vaccination and travel health advice, including the newly available Chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ.

What Is Chikungunya?

The name “Chikungunya” comes from the Makonde language of southern Tanzania, meaning “to become contorted,” referring to the severe joint pain many sufferers experience. The disease was first identified during an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952 and has since spread to over 118 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Chikungunya is transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes—both of which bite primarily during the daytime, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon.

Chikungunya Symptoms: Acute and Chronic Phases

Acute Phase

Roughly 72–97% of people infected with the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) will experience acute symptoms, typically 3–7 days after being bitten. These include:

High fever
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle pain
Joint pain or swelling
Rash
Fatigue

While most acute symptoms resolve within 7 to 10 days, they can be intense and uncomfortable.

Chronic Phase

What makes Chikungunya particularly concerning is its chronic phase. Around 43% of those infected may go on to suffer from prolonged joint pain, arthritis, and fatigue, which can last months or even years. Studies show up to 76.6% of individuals experience persistent muscle or joint symptoms—leading to a significant reduction in physical, psychological, and social quality of life.

Where Is Chikungunya a Risk?

Approximately 75% of the world’s population lives in regions where Chikungunya transmission is a risk. These areas include:

Central and South America
Southeast Asia
Sub-Saharan and East Africa
The Indian subcontinent

Between 2018 and 2022, the UK and 19 EU/EEA countries reported 846 cases, mostly imported. In 2024 alone, over 620,000 cases were reported globally, with major outbreaks in Brazil (422,615 cases) and India (192,518 cases).

Due to climate change, the global range of mosquitoes that transmit CHIKV is expanding—making the risk of outbreaks more widespread. Increased international travel also plays a role in the transmission of the virus.

Introducing IXCHIQ: The First Chikungunya Vaccine

Approved for use in adults, IXCHIQ is the world’s first licensed Chikungunya vaccine. It provides protection against disease caused by CHIKV and is recommended for individuals aged 18 years and older.

Who Should Consider the IXCHIQ Vaccine?

You should consider getting the Chikungunya vaccine if you are:

A frequent traveller to high-risk areas
Visiting countries where outbreaks are ongoing
A long-term traveller or expatriate moving to endemic regions
A short-term traveller engaging in high-risk activities (e.g., hiking, working outdoors)
Travelling to remote areas where access to healthcare is limited

Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

In clinical trials, IXCHIQ was well-tolerated with side effects being mostly mild to moderate and resolving within 2–3 days. Common side effects include:

Pain or tenderness at the injection site
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Headaches
Nausea
Mild fever

Why Vaccination Matters

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya. Protection relies on preventing infection, either through mosquito bite prevention or vaccination.

Vaccination offers peace of mind and practical protection, especially if you’re:

Travelling spontaneously or without a clear itinerary
Heading to regions with poor vector control
Planning extended stays

Book Your Chikungunya Vaccine at Bromley Travel Clinic

At Bromley Travel Clinic, we offer personalised travel health consultations and the Chikungunya vaccine (IXCHIQ) for eligible travellers. Our expert team can assess your risk based on destination, travel dates, and planned activities.

Located in Bromley, South London
Offering IXCHIQ, travel vaccines, and essential health advice
Call us or book online today for your travel consultation

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re heading to the tropics for work, visiting family abroad, or embarking on an adventure, don’t let Chikungunya put your plans at risk. Get vaccinated, stay informed, and travel safely.