Key points
- One chikungunya vaccine (called IXCHIQ) is available in the United States.
- Some travelers at higher risk of exposure to chikungunya virus or at increased risk of severe disease should consider this vaccine.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if traveling to an area with risk for chikungunya.
Chikungunya vaccine
- One chikungunya vaccine (called IXCHIQ) is available in the United States.
- IXCHIQ is approved for use in adults 18 years and older.
- The vaccine is given as a single dose.
What to think about when considering vaccination for travel to an area with chikungunya
If you are traveling to an area with risk for chikungunya, talk to your healthcare provider about these factors to help with your decision on vaccination:
- Symptoms of chikungunya and possible long-term joint problems after infection
- Benefits and possible side effects of vaccination
- Outbreaks or ongoing disease activity at your destination
- Duration of travel or residence, including likelihood of future travel to an area with chikungunya
- Likelihood of exposure to Aedes species mosquitoes
- Your age (for example, older than 65 years)
- Underlying medical conditions that may increase your risk for severe disease (such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure)
- Conditions that may increase the risk for long-term joint pain after infection (such as joint disease)
- Your personal preferences for vaccination based on these factors
Vaccine recommendations
Chikungunya vaccine is recommended for adults traveling to a country or territory where there is a chikungunya outbreak. Chikungunya vaccine also should be considered for the following adults traveling to a country or territory without an outbreak but with evidence of chikungunya virus transmission among humans within the last 5 years:
- Persons aged >65 years, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, who are likely to have at least moderate exposure* to mosquitoes, OR
- Persons staying for a cumulative period of 6 months or more.
*Moderate exposure could include travelers who might have at least 2 weeks (cumulative) of exposure to mosquitoes in indoor or outdoor settings. It does not include travelers who might have limited exposure to mosquitoes (e.g., those traveling for business and likely to be mainly in mosquito-protected indoor settings).
Chikungunya vaccine is also recommended for laboratory workers who might be exposed to chikungunya virus.