The New Chikungunya Vaccine

As global travel resumes and mosquito-borne diseases surge, we at Woodstock Road Chemist are proud to offer IXCHIQ®, the UK’s first licensed live-attenuated chikungunya vaccine, recently approved by the MHRA [1]. Adults aged 18–64 can now receive single-dose protection against chikungunya—a virus that’s been increasingly active worldwide.

Why Now?

1. Explosive Global Outbreaks

• Over 220,000 cases and around 80 deaths reported across 14 countries between June 2024–May 2025 [3].

• The Indian Ocean islands of Réunion and Mayotte faced dramatic outbreaks: ~47,500 infections and 12 deaths by May 2025 [4].

• Alarm in Europe: France has reported 583 chikungunya cases between March–June 2025—including 2 locally transmitted infections [3].

2. Rapid Aedes Mosquito Spread

Chikungunya is spread primarily by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, daytime-biting mosquitoes [5]. Their expanding range, aided by global warming, means outbreaks can now occur even in temperate regions.

3. Travel-Related Risk

Many travelers returning to the UK and Europe from endemic areas have been identified with chikungunya [5]. Public health bodies like the CDC and JCVI emphasise that vaccination can protect those visiting or living in high-risk areas [6].

MHRA, JCVI & CDC Backing

• MHRA: Approved IXCHIQ in February 2025 for adults 18+, marking a milestone in UK vaccine availability [1].

• UK Drug Safety Update: In June 2025, regulatory agencies published new safety guidance about rare adverse events in older adults [2].

• JCVI & CDC: Recommend vaccination for travellers at risk and continue monitoring outbreaks and vaccine safety [6][8].

Safety Advisory for Over‑65s

In June 2025, the MHRA and other regulators temporarily halted vaccination for 65+ individuals, following rare but serious adverse events globally (23 cases; 2 fatalities) [2]. This pause ensures further safety evaluation. For now, IXCHIQ is available only for adults 18–64 years.

At Woodstock Road Chemist: What You Need to Know

.

Our clinical team will review your history, discuss possible side effects (e.g., mild fever, fatigue), and provide a patient information leaflet. We encourage all patients to report symptoms such as joint pain, fever, stiff neck, or confusion via the Yellow Card scheme [2].

Why Vaccinate?

• Protect yourself from debilitating fever and joint pain that can last months [7].

• Limit spread: infected people can infect mosquitoes during the first week of illness, sustaining local transmission [5].

• Safeguard travel plans: Prevent becoming ill abroad or on return—a growing concern given rising outbreaks [3][6].

Final Take

With chikungunya resurging across continents and mosquito vectors expanding their reach, IXCHIQ® marks a crucial step in preventive healthcare. While not yet suitable for older adults pending further data, it offers strong protection for those aged 18–64.

Book your vaccination today

Make appointment at Woodstock Road Chemist and stay ahead in safeguarding your health.

Click next to book now for a vaccination

References

1. MHRA. (2025). IXCHIQ vaccine approved to protect adults against chikungunya. GOV.UK.
   https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ixchiq-vaccine-approved-to-protect-adults-against-chikungunya

2. UK Government & MHRA. (2025). Drug Safety Update: IXCHIQ vaccine (chikungunya virus vaccine, live).
   https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6852c872ff16d05c5e6aa6bb/IXCHIQ_-DRUG_SAFETY_UPDATE-_FINAL.pdf

3. ECDC. (2025). Monthly Chikungunya Surveillance Report.
   https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/chikungunya-monthly

4. WHO. (2025). Chikungunya – Indian Ocean Islands: Disease Outbreak News.
   https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON567

5. CDC. (2024). Chikungunya virus: About, Transmission & Prevention.
   https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/about/index.html

6. CDC. (2024). CDC Yellow Book: Travel Health Guidelines – Chikungunya.
   https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/travel-associated-infections-diseases/chikungunya.html

7. NFID. (2024). Chikungunya.
   https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/chikungunya

8. Associated Press. (2024). Second chikungunya vaccine licensed in U.S. amid global outbreaks.
   https://apnews.com/article/d56e8db3db4197b15c1a331e9e684f17

Written by Kasim Moghal, MRPharmS, PGCert, CEPIP
Independent Prescribing Clinical Pharmacist
GPhC No. 2203543
Woodstock Road Chemist, Oxford
Date: 6 July 2025

Kasim is a clinically trained pharmacist with postgraduate qualifications in enhanced prescribing, including acute and emergency medicine. He leads travel health and vaccination services at Woodstock Road Chemist.