Chikungunya Vaccination Update
15 May 2025
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing acute fever and joint pains that may lead to long term joint symptoms. It is transmitted to humans via the bite of infected mosquitoes which are particularly persistent and aggressive and bite mainly during daylight hours.
Chikungunya is an unpleasant disease but is rarely fatal. Symptoms usually start 4 to 8 days (range 1 to 12 days) after the mosquito bite. Symptoms include fever, joint pains, muscle pains headaches, rash, feeling sick (nausea) and tiredness. Joint symptoms may persist for weeks to months or years after infection. Strict mosquito bite avoidance is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection.
Two new chikungunya vaccines have recently been approved for use in the UK.
- IXCHIQ vaccine is recommended for some individuals aged over 18 years.
- Vimkunya is recommended for some individuals 12 years and over.
You should arrange a travel health consultation if you wish to discuss if the chikungunya vaccine may be suitable for you.
The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the French National Authority for Health (HAS) have recently been investigating potential serious vaccine-associated adverse events in individuals over 60 years old vaccinated with IXCHIQ.
In light of these events, the U.S. CDC and FDA recommended a pause in the use of IXCHIQ in individuals 60 years of age and older while this is being investigated. The UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are currently looking into this.
Advice for Travellers
The best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites:
- The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya bite during the day, from sunrise until sunset.
- During these hours your skin should be covered up with long, loose fitting clothing.
- Insect repellent should be applied to any exposed areas of skin, and reapplied frequently, as suggested by the manufacturer's instructions.
See the mosquito bite avoidance page for further information.
You should seek medical attention if you develop any feverish illness whilst travelling, or on your return home. You should always phone your GP first before visiting to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
For further information see the fitfortravel Chikungunya page.