If you’re planning to travel abroad this year, there’s something worth knowing: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows 73 confirmed cases of chikungunya were reported in returning UK travellers between January and June 2025 — more than double the number seen during the same period in 2024.
This sharp rise highlights why protecting yourself against mosquito-borne infections is more important than ever. Chikungunya fever, caused by the chikungunya virus, can bring on high temperature, severe joint pain, and a skin rash that can linger for weeks or even months. Fortunately, the chikungunya vaccine now offers a safe and effective way to lower your risk before you travel.
What Is the Chikungunya Vaccine, and How Does It Work?
The chikungunya vaccine helps your body build immunity against the virus that causes chikungunya fever. It uses a weakened or inactivated version of the virus to trigger an immune response without causing the disease itself. Once vaccinated, your immune system can quickly recognise and fight off the infection if exposed later.
Who Can Get the Chikungunya Vaccine?
In the UK, the vaccine is recommended for adults travelling to countries where chikungunya outbreaks occur frequently, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. It is available privately at registered pharmacies and travel clinics like Touchwood Pharmacy.
Our pharmacists can advise whether you need the vaccine based on your travel plans and health history.
How Effective Is the Chikungunya Vaccine?
Studies have shown that the chikungunya vaccine provides strong immunity, reducing the risk of infection and severe symptoms. Most people develop protective antibodies within a few weeks after receiving the dose. This immunity may last for several years, offering long-term protection against the virus.
What Are the Main Benefits of the Chikungunya Vaccine?
Getting vaccinated offers multiple advantages, especially for frequent travellers or those visiting outbreak-prone areas.
Prevents Serious Illness
Chikungunya fever can cause high temperature, severe joint pain, and fatigue that may last for months. Vaccination helps prevent these painful symptoms by strengthening your immune defence before exposure.
Reduces Risk of Long-Term Complications
Some people experience chronic joint pain and stiffness long after recovering from the initial infection. The vaccine lowers the likelihood of these lingering effects by stopping the virus from taking hold in the first place.
Protects Against Travel-Related Infection
International travellers, especially to tropical regions, are most at risk. Vaccination ensures you are protected before your trip, reducing the chances of infection and the spread of the virus when returning home.
Supports Community Protection
When more people get vaccinated, it limits the spread of the virus in affected regions. This helps protect vulnerable individuals, such as older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Chikungunya?
Chikungunya fever usually starts 4 to 8 days after a mosquito bite. Recognising the chikungunya signs and symptoms early helps in seeking prompt care and avoiding further spread.
Typical Chikungunya Fever Symptoms
- Sudden high temperature
- Intense joint or muscle pain
- Headache and fatigue
- Nausea or mild vomiting
Chikungunya Skin Rash
Many people also develop a red skin rash within a few days of fever onset. The rash may appear on the limbs, chest, or face and can be itchy or uncomfortable, but usually fades within a week.
How Is Chikungunya Treated If You’re Infected?
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya disease. Management focuses on easing symptoms while the body fights off the infection.
Supportive Care Measures for Chikungunya
- Rest and adequate hydration
- Simple pain relief for fever and joint pain
- Avoiding mosquito bites to prevent spreading the virus further
Our pharmacists can provide guidance on over-the-counter options and self-care tips to support chikungunya treatment and recovery. If you experience persistent joint pain after infection, professional advice can help manage symptoms safely.
Where Can You Get the Chikungunya Vaccine in the UK?
The chikungunya vaccine is not part of the routine NHS vaccination schedule, but it is available privately through selected travel clinics and pharmacies, including Touchwood Pharmacy.
Our trained pharmacists can assess your travel needs, explain the vaccine benefits, and provide safe, professional vaccination before your trip.
Book your appointment with our experts at Touchwood Pharmacy for Chikungunya vaccination and travel health advice today.
FAQs
How long does the chikungunya vaccine protect you for?
Studies suggest that the chikungunya vaccine provides strong immunity lasting for several years after a single dose. Protection develops within a few weeks, offering long-term defence against infection. Our pharmacist can advise when a booster might be needed based on updated guidance or your travel frequency.
Is the chikungunya vaccine available in the UK?
Yes. As of 2025, two vaccines are licensed for use in the UK — IXCHIQ® and Vimkunya®. They are mainly available privately through pharmacies and travel clinics like Touchwood Pharmacy for adults travelling to areas where chikungunya is common.
Do I still need the vaccine if I’ve already had chikungunya fever?
If you’ve previously had chikungunya, your body may have developed natural immunity. However, vaccination can still be considered for travellers heading to high-risk regions, as immunity from infection may not be lifelong. Speak with one of our pharmacists to assess your individual needs.
Are there any side effects of the chikungunya vaccine?
Most people experience only mild effects, such as temporary soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or low-grade fever. These usually resolve within a few days. Severe reactions are rare, and the vaccine undergoes rigorous safety checks before approval in the UK.
Can the chikungunya vaccine be taken with other travel vaccines?
Yes. The chikungunya vaccine can often be given alongside other travel vaccines, such as those for yellow fever or typhoid. Our pharmacist will review your vaccination history to ensure timing and compatibility before administration.
When should I get vaccinated before travelling?
It’s best to get vaccinated at least two to three weeks before travel to allow time for full immunity to develop. If you’re planning a trip to tropical or subtropical regions, book your vaccination appointment at Touchwood Pharmacy as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
