.png)
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a virus you get from mosquito bites, sort of like a flu. These mosquitoes are most active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. They breed in standing water around your home, like in flowerpots or old tires, so keeping these areas clear helps prevent bites.
First found in Tanzania in the 1950s, chikungunya is now common in tropical and warm areas globally, including parts of Europe and the USA.
If an infected mosquito bites you, you'll usually start feeling sick about 4 to 8 days later, though some people might not have symptoms at all. While rarely deadly, it can make you feel quite unwell. Symptoms typically get better within a week or two, but the joint pain can be severe and might last for months or even years. In some cases, it can lead to eye, nerve, heart, or stomach problems.
There's no specific cure for chikungunya. Treatment focuses on easing your symptoms with rest, plenty of fluids, and pain/fever medicines like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Common symptoms include:
Sudden high fever
Severe joint and muscle pains
Headaches
Sensitivity to light
Skin rashes
What Vaccines are available?
The IXCHIQ vaccine teaches your immune system (your body's defense) to fight off the Chikungunya virus.
It uses a weakened version of the virus that can't make you sick. When your immune system sees this weakened virus, it learns to recognize it and creates antibodies to attack it.
This means if you later encounter the real Chikungunya virus, your immune system will quickly recognise it and be ready to defend your body, helping to protect you from getting sick.
Vaccine Schedules
VIMKUNYA
Individuals aged 12 and over: Single dose
Patient information leaflet:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.100819.pdf
IXCHIQ (live vaccine)
Individuals aged 18 and over: Single dose
Patient information leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.100652.pdf
Prevention
Avoid mosquito bites, especially during the day. Use repellent and cover up with clothing.
Need other vaccines?
Please click on the links below for travel vaccination requirements/ advice.
For vaccine recommendations and information on conditions based on destinations:https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
For vaccine lifespan:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/jabs/
Antimalarials (Maloff Protect): For adults you can buy these over the counter after the consultation at £2 per tablet. For children please enquire.
Need to book more than one vaccine?
Please make a booking for a single vaccine and leave a note with the booking for the other vaccines you require. We will reserve the vaccines and call you if there are any issues.
Note: We offer a 5% discount for cash payments.
Please make sure you fill in the form in the appointment confirmation which you will recieve (as a link). This will allow us to do a risk assessement before your arrive and check all your travel requirements for a swift & safe appointment.
*Note*
Any cancellation, rescheduling, or missed appointment within 48 hours of the scheduled time will result in the loss of the £30 deposit. If you wish to reschedule, a new £30 deposit will be required to secure the new appointment.