Chikungunya

Chikungunya
Vaccination

Batley Pharmacy offers the Chikungunya vaccine for travellers visiting areas where the virus is circulating. Our trained professionals provide a safe and convenient vaccination service.

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Sudden fever

High temperature that appears rapidly

Severe joint pain

Intense pain in joints that can be debilitating

Muscle aches

Widespread muscular discomfort and pain

Headache and rash

Persistent headaches with skin rash

Symptoms can be long-lasting and, in some cases, debilitating. Vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting countries with active chikungunya outbreaks, as advised by NaTHNaC / TRAVAX.

Who Should Get the Chikungunya Vaccine?

You may be suitable for the Chikungunya vaccine if:
  • You are travelling to an area with active Chikungunya transmission
  • You have given valid informed consent
You meet the age criteria for the available vaccines
Vimkunya®
From 12 years and over
IXCHIQ®
18–59 years
All suitability will be confirmed during your consultation.

Who Should NOT Have the Vaccine?

The Chikungunya vaccine cannot be given if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • are immunocompromised or have HIV
  • are taking immunosuppressive medication (e.g. chemotherapy, corticosteroids, methotrexate, azathioprine)
  • have a known allergy to any vaccine component
  • are under 12 years of age
Additional restrictions apply to IXCHIQ®, including:
  • not suitable for those over 60 years old
  • not suitable for individuals with a history of thymus disorders or thymectomy

Vaniqa is offered at Batley Pharmacy after a brief consultation to support safe and effective treatment.

Side Effects of Chikungunya Vaccine

Most side effects are mild and short-lived, and may include:

Pain or tenderness at the injection site
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle or joint aches
Fever
Nausea or rash

Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Our pharmacists are fully trained to manage emergencies, and appropriate medication is always available on site.

Important Travel Advice

The Chikungunya vaccine is not 100% effective

You should continue to avoid mosquito bites, especially during daylight hours, dawn and dusk

Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and use mosquito nets where appropriate

If you become unwell during or after travel, seek medical advice and mention your recent travel history

Why Choose Batley Pharmacy?

Local and
accessible

We are conveniently located and easy to reach, offering quick, hassle-free access to the care you need, right when you need it.

Experienced
team

Our team of qualified healthcare professionals delivers safe, effective vaccinations and personalised advice.

Flexible
appointments

Whether you prefer to book ahead or walk in, we make it easy to get vaccinated at a flexible time that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s recommended for travellers to areas with Chikungunya transmission to reduce infection risk. While not mandatory, vaccination provides protection against potential illness in high-risk regions.

Chikungunya is rarely fatal but can cause debilitating joint pain and fatigue that lasts weeks to months, impacting daily activities, especially in older adults or those with underlying conditions.

Early symptoms include sudden high fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, headache, and rash, usually appearing 2–12 days after a mosquito bite.

Both cause similar symptoms, but dengue can lead to severe complications like haemorrhage and shock, making it potentially more serious than chikungunya, which mainly causes prolonged joint pain.

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