Travel vaccination
Chikungunya
New vaccine for mosquito-borne chikungunya virus
Overview
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing high fever and severe, often long-lasting joint pain. Outbreaks occur across the tropics and sub-tropics, including recent surges in Réunion, Mauritius, India, Brazil and parts of Southeast Asia. A single-dose vaccine is now available in the UK for eligible travellers.
Who needs it
Travellers aged 18+ visiting areas with an active outbreak or a high background risk of chikungunya — particularly long-stay travellers, those working outdoors, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions. Recommended in line with NaTHNaC / TravelHealthPro country guidance.
Dosing schedule
Single dose, ideally at least 2 weeks before travel. Not currently recommended in pregnancy or for people who are severely immunosuppressed — we'll review suitability at your consultation.
Common side effects
Tenderness at the injection site, headache, tiredness, muscle or joint aches, and mild fever for 1–3 days. Serious reactions are rare.