Chikungunya Vaccination in Wilmslow, Cheshire
Protect yourself before travelling with our chikungunya vaccination service in Wilmslow, Cheshire. A single injection recommended for trips to Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean islands, and Central and South America.
Chikungunya Vaccine
- Just one injection
- Long-term protection expected
- Same-day appointments
The Chikungunya Vaccine
A single-dose vaccine for travellers heading to mosquito-borne risk areas
Straightforward Protection Before You Travel
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that causes sudden high fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches and a rash, with joint pain sometimes lasting weeks or months. Two vaccines are used in the UK — Vimkunya (a non-live vaccine) and Ixchiq (a live vaccine) — both given as a single injection. They aren’t suitable for everyone, so our pharmacist will choose the right one for you. Ideally have it at least 2 to 4 weeks before you fly, so protection has time to build up.
Just one dose is needed — no follow-up appointment required for most travellers.
Have it at least 2 to 4 weeks before departure so your protection has time to build.
Chikungunya risk spans Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean islands, and Central and South America.
What is Chikungunya?
A mosquito-borne virus found across many popular travel destinations
Spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes, with symptoms usually starting 3 to 7 days after a bite.
High fever and severe joint pain are typical, along with muscle aches, headache, fatigue and a rash.
Present across Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean islands, and Central and South America, including the Caribbean.
A single vaccine dose gives strong protection ahead of higher-risk travel.
Do you need this vaccine?
Recommended for travellers heading to mosquito-borne risk areas
Travellers to Higher-Risk Regions
Worth considering if you’re heading to Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean islands, or Central and South America.
- Travel to endemic countries
- Longer or repeat trips
- Outdoor or rural itineraries
Older Travellers & Those With Health Conditions
Chikungunya can be more severe in older adults and people with existing health conditions. Vaccination can be valuable for them, but vaccine choice matters — the live vaccine (Ixchiq) isn’t recommended for those aged 65 and over, so we assess each person individually and use the non-live option where appropriate.
- Older adults — vaccine choice assessed individually
- Existing joint or health conditions
- Extended stays in affected regions
What to expect at your appointment
We talk through your itinerary and confirm the vaccine is suitable for your trip.
Just one dose, given in the upper arm — most people feel only a brief scratch.
Ideally have it 2 to 4 weeks before you travel, to give protection time to build.
Usually mild — a sore arm, headache, tiredness or a slight fever for a day or two.
Given to most adults and children from 12 years old, with individual assessment where needed. This vaccine is not offered to children under 12.
Not available on the NHS for travel purposes, so we offer it privately with no referral needed.
Common Questions
How many doses do I need?
Just one. Both vaccines currently used in the UK — Ixchiq and Vimkunya — are given as a single injection, with no follow-up dose needed for most travellers.
How long before I travel should I get it?
Ideally at least 2 to 4 weeks before departure, so your body has time to build protection. It can still be worth having closer to travel if that’s not possible.
Do I need this vaccine for my trip?
It depends on your destination and itinerary. Chikungunya is found across Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean islands, and Central and South America. Our pharmacist can advise based on where you’re travelling and for how long.
Does the vaccine protect against dengue or Zika too?
No — the chikungunya vaccine only protects against chikungunya. Dengue, Zika and yellow fever need separate protection measures, which we can also advise on.
Are there any side effects?
Most people just get a sore arm, mild headache, tiredness or a slight fever for a day or so. Serious reactions are uncommon and monitored through the UK’s Yellow Card scheme.
Book Your Chikungunya Vaccination
Pick a time that suits you at our Wilmslow clinic.
Calendar not loading? Open our booking page in a new tab →
Protect yourself before you travel
Book your chikungunya vaccination with our friendly team in Wilmslow today. Quick, convenient and professional.