Chikungunya vaccine (Vimkunya and Ixchiq) eligibility
From age 12 (Vimkunya) or 18 to 59 (Ixchiq). For travel to areas with a current outbreak, or frequent and long-stay travel where the virus circulates. Private only.
Last reviewed 17 September 2026Not yet in the UK Green BookLive (Ixchiq) or non-live (Vimkunya)
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes. It causes sudden fever and severe joint pain that can last for months, and large outbreaks have occurred recently in South Asia, South America and the Indian Ocean islands. Two single-dose vaccines are licensed in the UK: Vimkunya, which is not live and can be given from age 12, and Ixchiq, a live vaccine for adults aged 18 to 59 that is not suitable for people with certain long-term conditions.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
Privately✕Not given
Not licensed for this age group.
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
2 to 17 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Vimkunya from age 12; Ixchiq is not licensed under 18
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
18 to 49 years
Privately✓Available
Single dose of Vimkunya or Ixchiq
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
50 to 64 years
Privately✓Available
Vimkunya at any age; Ixchiq only up to age 59
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
65 and over
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Vimkunya only. Ixchiq is not licensed for this age group
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
Recommended for
Travellers to areas with a current chikungunya outbreak
Frequent or long-stay travellers to regions with transmission in the last 5 years, for example parts of South Asia, South America and the Indian Ocean islands
Laboratory staff who handle the chikungunya virus
Who should not have it
Children under 12 (Vimkunya) or under 18 (Ixchiq)
Ixchiq: adults aged 60 and over, pregnancy, a weakened immune system (including IgA deficiency), a thymus disorder or thymectomy, and people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease
A previous serious allergic reaction to either vaccine or one of its ingredients
If you have a fever, the vaccine is usually postponed
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
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Protects against
Mosquito-borne viral infection causing sudden fever and severe joint pain that can last for months. Spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes, with recent outbreaks in South Asia, South America and the Indian Ocean islands.
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When to have it
At least 2 weeks before travel (30 days for the live vaccine, Ixchiq)
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How long it lasts
Single dose; long-term duration still being studied
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Doses
Single dose
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Side effects
Sore arm, headache, tiredness, muscle or joint pain and mild fever for a few days.
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Good to know
Two vaccines are available in the UK: Vimkunya (non-live, from age 12) and Ixchiq (live, ages 18–59, not for people with certain long-term conditions). Your clinician will advise which is suitable.
Common questions
Chikungunya vaccine (Vimkunya and Ixchiq): your questions answered
Which countries have chikungunya?
Risk areas change quickly. Recent cases in UK travellers have mostly come from India, Pakistan and Brazil, and outbreaks have also affected the Indian Ocean islands, South East Asia and parts of Africa. Check the TravelHealthPro country page for your destination shortly before you travel.
Vimkunya or Ixchiq: which will I be given?
Your clinician decides based on your age and health. Vimkunya is not live and is licensed from age 12 with no upper age limit. Ixchiq is live, licensed for ages 18 to 59, and is not used in people with several common long-term conditions. Both are a single injection.
How far ahead of travel do I need it?
Allow at least 2 weeks for protection to develop, and at least 30 days for Ixchiq. Book early, as not every clinic stocks both vaccines.
Is the chikungunya vaccine free on the NHS?
No. It is only available privately from travel clinics and pharmacies.
Does the vaccine protect against dengue or Zika?
No. Dengue, Zika and chikungunya are spread by the same mosquitoes, so bite avoidance remains essential even after vaccination.
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GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.