Notice: Chikungunya vaccines cannot be co-administered with other immunisations. Your pharmacist will schedule separate visits if multiple vaccinations are required.
Risk assessment of destination and eligibility, followed by a one-stop appointment and same-day vaccination.
Book online in minutes: no referrals, no waiting lists.
One injection is given on the same day; 20 minutes for full appointment
Leave vaccinated, records updated, and advice on daytime bite.
Chikungunya is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and, increasingly, Southern Europe.
Endemic chikungunya with periodic urban outbreaks; vaccination for extended outdoor travellers is considered.
Recent chikungunya activity of note: highest risk in rural and peri-urban settings.
Reported regular outbreaks throughout the archipelago, including Bali and coastal regions.
Endemic throughout East Africa, outbreaks especially occur during and after heavy rainfall.
Across multiple islands, peaking during the rainy season.
Serious urban outbreaks reported; travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions before departing.
You catch it from daytime-biting mosquitoes, not from other people. Because it doesn’t spread person-to-person, using repellent during the day is just as vital as getting your vaccine.
Look for high fever and severe joint pain starting 2–12 days after infection. While most recover within a week, joint pain can sadly linger for many months or years.
Two licensed vaccines are now available. Your pharmacist will confirm which one is right for you.
We offer two single-dose vaccines: IXCHIQ for adults aged 18–59, and Vimkunya for anyone 12 and older. Please note, you cannot receive these alongside other vaccines at the same visit.
Chikungunya and dengue share early symptoms but require different protection strategies.
Mosquito vector
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
Aedes aegypti (primarily)
Biting hours
Daytime, morning and late afternoon
Daytime, morning and late afternoon
Key distinguishing symptoms
Severe, prolonged joint pain, can persist for months or years
Severe headache, retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain, risk of haemorrhagic fever
Vaccines are available
Yes. IXCHIQ (18–59) and Vimkunya (12+)
Qdenga available in some settings; discuss at appointment
Specific treatment
No antiviral, supportive care only
No antiviral, supportive care only
Long-term risk
Prolonged arthritis in a significant proportion of cases
Severe dengue risk on re-infection with a different serotype
Travelling to a region where both are present? Your pharmacist will advise on the right protection for your specific itinerary at appointment.
Travellers active outdoors during daylight hours face significantly higher Aedes mosquito exposure.
Travellers spending time outdoors during daylight hours
Aedes mosquitoes peak in the morning and late afternoon, aligning with outdoor activity hours.
Backpackers and adventure travellers
Extended time in rural settings where Aedes populations are dense and avoidance is harder.
Long-stay travellers and expat workers
Prolonged time in endemic regions raises cumulative exposure significantly.
Urban travellers in affected cities
Aedes aegypti thrives near urban standing water, urban travel is not lower risk.
Those travelling during or after the rainy season
Aedes populations peak during and after rainfall, raising transmission risk substantially.
Travellers with joint or inflammatory conditions
Pre-existing joint conditions may be significantly worsened by Chikungunya-associated arthritis.
Every appointment is led by a pharmacist who has spent a career doing this.
Mandeep Sandhu has been a pharmacist since 2006, qualifying at Aberdeen. Travel health has been the real focus of his career. He has an independent prescriber qualification with yellow fever accreditation and NaTHNaC training and has spent over a decade helping people travel safely.
He is a keen traveller himself and understands that no two trips are the same. Every patient receives the time and advice that their trip actually needs.
Qualified pharmacist registered with the GPhC
Authorised to prescribe and supply travel medications independently
Certified to administer the yellow fever vaccine and issue the ICVP certificate
Travel health training aligned with UK national guidance
Colchester Travel Clinic is easy to reach with free on-site parking and appointments available six days a week.
We’re an independent, pharmacist-led clinic where you’re seen by the same team from first appointment to final vaccine no transfers, no chase.
IXCHIQ is not licenced for use in patients aged 60 and over. There’s also a separate recombinant vaccine called Vimkunya for the age group of 12 and above, including 60 and above. Your pharmacist will determine which vaccine is appropriate for you at your appointment.
No. The chikungunya vaccine should not be given at the same visit as other vaccines. If you need several vaccinations, your pharmacist will schedule separate appointments to ensure the correct spacing. Please inform me of any other recent or planned vaccinations at the consultation.
No. Both available chikungunya vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and travelling to a chikungunya-endemic region, daytime mosquito-bite prevention is the primary protective strategy. Discuss your travel plans with your pharmacist or GP.
Only if your blood donation is more than 4 weeks after vaccination. IXCHIQ must be completed at least 4 weeks before any planned blood donation. Please inform the pharmacist of your donation plans at consultation.
IXCHIQ is a live attenuated vaccine containing a weakened form of the chikungunya virus. Vimkunya is a recombinant, adsorbed vaccine using virus-like particles; it does not contain live viruses. Both provide protection against chikungunya, and your pharmacist will confirm which is most appropriate based on your age and health history.
Booking your appointment is quick and easy. We guide you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.
Protect against unpredictable Chikungunya outbreaks: get vaccinated before traveling to endemic or affected regions.
