Chikungunya Vaccine London: Expert Protection at Ealing Travel Clinic
August 25, 2025
8 minute read
China is battling its largest chikungunya outbreak in history with over 8,000 cases in Guangdong province. The CDC has issued travel warnings. India’s reporting nearly 200,000 cases annually. Sri Lanka and Mauritius are seeing explosive transmission. And London travellers are getting infected at record rates – 73 cases in just six months of 2025, nearly triple last year’s numbers.
If you’re travelling to China, India, or anywhere in Asia from London, chikungunya vaccination isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential protection against a disease that can leave you with crippling joint pain for years.
The China Outbreak That Changed Everything
Since June 2025, more than 8,000 people have been infected in Guangdong province, making it the largest chikungunya outbreak in China’s history. The epicenter is Foshan, a city of 9 million, where 95% of cases are concentrated. Hong Kong reported its first imported case on August 4.
The outbreak has triggered memories of COVID-era restrictions:
- Mass testing and quarantine measures
- Door-to-door inspections for mosquito breeding sites
- Drone spraying of entire neighborhoods
- Over 7,000 mosquito-proof isolation beds deployed
- Deployment of larvae-eating fish and “elephant mosquitoes”
The CDC has issued a Level 2 “practice enhanced precautions” travel warning for Guangdong province, advising vaccination for all travellers.
Why London Travellers Are High Risk
A total of 73 cases were reported between January and June 2025. The same period in 2024 saw 27 cases. 2025 has the highest number of cases recorded in this period to date.
Of the 73 chikungunya cases, the majority reported travel to:
- Sri Lanka (experiencing major outbreak)
- India (192,343 cases in 2024)
- Mauritius (ongoing transmission)
- China (new outbreak areas)
All cases were reported in England, with the majority in London. That’s nearly triple the 27 cases from the same period in 2024.
What Makes Chikungunya So Dangerous?
Chikungunya isn’t just another mosquito bite. The name comes from the Kimakonde language meaning “that which bends up” – because the joint pain literally doubles people over.
Immediate symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever (40°C+)
- Severe joint pain, especially hands and feet
- Debilitating muscle pain
- Headaches and rash
- Extreme fatigue
But here’s what they don’t tell you: Recent studies show joint pain persists for months or years in 30-40% of cases. Many people never fully return to their previous health status, reporting long-term fatigue, poor sleep, reduced mobility, and mental health impacts.
Two Vaccines Now Available in London
After years of waiting, London travellers finally have protection options. Two vaccines are now approved in the UK:
IXCHIQ® – The Single-Dose Solution
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 4 February 2025, approved the vaccine chikungunya vaccine (live) (brand name IXCHIQ) to protect adults against chikungunya disease.
- Age range: 18-65 years
- Doses: Single injection
- Protection: 99% develop antibodies within 1 month
- Duration: 97% maintain protection after 2 years
- Side effects: Mild – headache, fatigue, injection site pain
- Not suitable for: Pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals
Current Global Hotspots Affecting Londoners
China – Unprecedented Outbreak
- Guangdong Province: 8,000+ cases since June
- Cities affected: Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan
- Risk level: Very high for urban travellers
- CDC warning: Level 2 enhanced precautions
India – Endemic Transmission
- 2024 cases: 192,343 reported
- Hotspots: Maharashtra (Pune, Mumbai), Telangana
- “Indian Ocean Lineage”: Causing more severe, lingering symptoms
- UK connection: 920,000 UK travellers visit annually
Indian Ocean Region – Explosive Spread
- La Réunion (French territory): 54,000+ cases in 2025
- Mauritius: Major ongoing outbreak
- Sri Lanka: Primary source of UK cases
- Madagascar: Active transmission
Americas – Growing Threat
- Brazil: 185,553 cases
- Bolivia: 4,721 cases (CDC Level 2 warning)
- Caribbean: Multiple islands affected
Since the beginning of 2025, and as of July, approximately 240,000 CHIKVD cases and 90 CHIKVD-related deaths have been reported in 16 countries/territories.
What Our Patients Say
Asim J ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Called and managed to get a same day appointment to get the newly released Chickungunya vaccination as I’m travelling to Asia, where mosquitoes carry the virus. Great service and will definitely use Ealing Travel Clinic again.”
Esther Brown ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I have been for a few travel appointments here now, and had some appointments for my children too. The staff are great, they are kind, knowledgeable and patient. They give great advice and are very helpful. They show great compassion to my children who do not find injections easy at all. I would thoroughly recommend them for travel advice!”
Protected This Month: Over 150 travellers vaccinated against chikungunya
Chikungunya Vaccine Cost in London
London clinic prices vary wildly. Here’s what you’ll typically find:
Price Comparison Across London
- Fleet Street Clinic: Price on consultation
- Other Central London clinics: £220-£250
- Ealing Travel Clinic: Competitive pricing of £175 with no hidden fees.
Why Ealing Travel Clinic?
Located at 30 Northfield Avenue, we’re West London’s specialist travel health centre. Unlike chain pharmacies scrambling to understand chikungunya, we’ve been preparing for this since the vaccine approvals.
What sets us apart:
- Stock availability: Both vaccines in stock (many clinics still catching up)
- Expert knowledge: Trained specifically on chikungunya vaccination
- Honest pricing: Transparent costs, no hidden consultation fees
- Convenient location: Easy access from across London
- Same-day appointments: For urgent travel needs
Getting to Ealing Travel Clinic
Address: 30 Northfield Avenue, London, W13 9RL
From Central London:
- Central Line to Ealing Broadway (20 minutes from Oxford Circus)
- Piccadilly Line to Acton Town
- Elizabeth Line to Ealing Broadway
Parking available nearby for those driving from other London boroughs.
Chikungunya Vaccine Cost in London
London clinic prices vary wildly. Here’s what you’ll typically find:
Price Comparison Across London
- Fleet Street Clinic: Price on consultation
- Kamsons Pharmacy: £195 per dose
- CityDoc: £185 per dose
- Other Central London clinics: £180-220
- Ealing Travel Clinic: Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
What’s Included at Ealing Travel Clinic
- Expert travel health consultation
- Risk assessment for your specific itinerary
- Vaccine administration
- Official vaccination certificate
- Travel health advice pack
- Follow-up support if needed
The Vaccination Process
Before Your Appointment
- Check eligibility: Ages 18-65 for IXCHIQ,
- Plan timing: Ideally 2-3 weeks before travel
- Gather information: Your complete itinerary
- Medical history: List current medications and conditions
During Your Visit
- 20-minute consultation with travel health specialist
- Discussion of your specific destinations and risks
- Review of contraindications
- Single injection (upper arm)
- 15-minute observation period
- Certificate issued
After Vaccination
- Mild side effects possible for 2-3 days
- Full protection develops within 2-3 weeks
- No booster needed for at least 2-3 years
- Keep certificate with travel documents
KEY POINT – Protection Timeline
When Are You Protected?
- Week 1: Antibodies developing
- Week 2: 95% have protective levels
- Week 3: Full protection achieved
- Month 1: 99% show strong immunity
- Year 2: 97% maintain protection
Beyond Vaccination: Complete Protection
Vaccination is crucial but not 100% protective. Additional measures for China, India, and other risk areas:
Mosquito Bite Prevention
- DEET 50%: Reapply every 4-6 hours
- Clothing: Long sleeves/pants, especially dawn/dusk
- Accommodation: Air conditioning essential
- Urban areas: Aedes mosquitoes thrive in cities
Understanding Aedes Mosquitoes
Unlike typical mosquitoes:
- Active during daytime (not just evening)
- Love urban environments
- Breed in small water containers
- Aggressive biters
- Also spread dengue and Zika
Who Should Definitely Get Vaccinated?
Essential for:
- China travellers: Especially Guangdong province
- India visitors: All regions, especially Maharashtra
- Indian Ocean travellers: Mauritius, Sri Lanka, La Réunion
- Long-term travellers: Staying 1+ months anywhere in Asia
- Frequent travellers: Multiple Asia trips annually
- Adventure travellers: Rural areas, outdoor activities
Consider for:
- Urban business travel: Cities have mosquitoes too
- Resort holidays: Mosquitoes don’t respect hotel boundaries
- Older travellers: Higher risk of complications
Those with arthritis: Chikungunya worsens joint problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t Become a Statistic
London reported 73 chikungunya cases in just six months, nearly triple last year. Every one of those people thought it wouldn’t happen to them. Now they’re dealing with joint pain that might last years.
With China’s largest-ever outbreak, India’s endemic transmission, and explosive spread across the Indian Ocean, chikungunya is no longer a rare tropical disease. It’s a clear and present danger for London travellers.
Book Your Protection Today
Don’t wait until a week before travel. Don’t assume you’ll be fine. Don’t become another statistic in next year’s outbreak report.
Ealing Travel Clinic 30 Northfield Avenue London W13 9RL
Book online: https://ealingtravelclinic.co.uk/vaccines/chikungunya-vaccine-ixchiq/
Call: 0208 567 0982
Email: sachin@ealingtravelclinic.co.uk
Same-day appointments available. Vaccines currently in stock. Expert travel health advice included.
Because the best time to prevent chikungunya is before you travel, not after you’re doubled over in pain wondering why you didn’t get vaccinated.
Useful Links
Latest update: August 2025. Information based on UK Health Security Agency data, CDC travel warnings, WHO outbreak reports, and MHRA vaccine approvals.
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