Travel Advisory on Chikungunya Vaccinations: Insights for Globetrotters

Travel Advisory on Chikungunya Vaccinations: Insights for Globetrotters

In response to the global spread of the Chikungunya virus, two Chikungunya vaccines have been approved for use in the European Union, offering travelers a new line of defense against the mosquito-borne disease.

The first vaccine, **IXCHIQ®** by Valneva, is a live attenuated vaccine suitable for individuals aged 18 and over. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) lifted the temporary restriction for use in people aged 65 and older following a thorough safety review in July 2025.

The second vaccine, **Vimkunya®** by Bavarian Nordic, is an adjuvanted virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine approved for people aged 12 and over. It was approved by the European Commission in February 2025.

Both vaccines are effective in inducing high antibody titers, though slightly lower in individuals over 65 years. Vaccination is recommended for travelers to areas with active outbreaks, especially for those with underlying medical conditions.

**IXCHIQ®** is eligible for individuals aged 18 and over, including those aged 65 and above. **Vimkunya®** is eligible for people aged 12 and over. A single dose of either Ixchiq or Vimkunya is sufficient to achieve basic immunity.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) has issued a recommendation for the use of these vaccines, particularly for travelers planning a longer stay or repeated short trips to endemic areas with an increased risk of severe disease.

While Chikungunya is not yet endemic in Europe, there have been occasional infections, with all registered cases in Germany being in returning travelers. To further protect themselves, travelers are advised to practice good mosquito protection measures, such as wearing long and light clothing treated with insect repellent, using insect repellent products containing at least 30% DEET (Diethyltoluamid), installing screens on windows and doors, and using mosquito nets over the bed.

Remember, while vaccines offer a significant level of protection, they do not eliminate the risk entirely. The risk of Chikungunya infection increases significantly when traveling to areas with outbreaks, such as Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, and Sri Lanka. Symptoms of Chikungunya infection usually appear 4 to 7 days after transmission and include sudden fever, joint pain, skin rashes, chills, and headaches. Joint pain from Chikungunya can persist for weeks, months, or even years.

In most tropical and subtropical countries, the Chikungunya virus is endemic. In early July 2025, a person in Alsace, France, became ill after being bitten by an infected mosquito, highlighting the importance of vaccination and mosquito protection for travelers.

For more information on Chikungunya and its vaccines, consult your local travel medicine center or healthcare provider before your next trip. Stay safe and enjoy your travels!

1. The emergence of the Chikungunya virus necessitated the development of two vaccines, offering a defense for travelers.
2. One such vaccine, IXCHIQ® by Valneva, is a live attenuated vaccine suitable for individuals aged 18 and above.
3. In July 2025, restrictions on the use of IXCHIQ® for those aged 65 and older were lifted following a safety review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
4. The second vaccine, Vimkunya® by Bavarian Nordic, is an adjuvanted virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine approved for people aged 12 and over.
5. Vimkunya® was approved by the European Commission in February 2025.
6. Both vaccines are effective in inducing high antibody titers, with slightly lower titer levels in individuals over 65 years.
7. It's recommended for travelers to areas with active outbreaks, especially those with underlying medical conditions to get vaccinated.
8. IXCHIQ® is eligible for individuals aged 18 and over, including the elderly, while Vimkunya® is eligible for those aged 12 and above.
9. A single dose of either vaccine is sufficient to achieve basic immunity.
10. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends the use of these vaccines, particularly for travelers planning extended stays or multiple short trips to high-risk areas.
11. While Chikungunya is not yet endemic in Europe, registered cases in Germany have been reported among returning travelers.
12. To further protect themselves, travelers are advised to practice good mosquito protection measures.
13. This includes wearing long and light clothing treated with insect repellent, using insect repellent products containing at least 30% DEET (Diethyltoluamid), installing screens on windows and doors, and using mosquito nets over the bed.
14. Vaccines offer a significant level of protection, but they do not eliminate the risk entirely.
15. The risk of Chikungunya infection increases significantly when traveling to areas with outbreaks, such as Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, and Sri Lanka.
16. Symptoms of Chikungunya infection usually appear 4 to 7 days after transmission and include sudden fever, joint pain, skin rashes, chills, and headaches.
17. Joint pain from Chikungunya can persist for weeks, months, or even years.
18. In most tropical and subtropical countries, the Chikungunya virus is endemic.
19. A case in Alsace, France, in early July 2025, highlights the importance of vaccination and mosquito protection for travelers.
20. For more information on Chikungunya and its vaccines, consult your local travel medicine center or healthcare provider before your next trip.
21. Science and medicine play an essential role in addressing health challenges like Chikungunya, as evidenced by the development of these vaccines.
22. Good health and wellness practices, including fitness and exercise, nutrition, and mental health management, can also help travelers stay healthy during their trips.
23. In the realm of health and wellness, there has been increased focus on various conditions, such as chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory and digestive health, eye health, hearing, and sexual health.
24. Autoimmune disorders, climate change, and environmental science also impact health, with manufacturing industries being key contributors to environmental degradation.
25. Mental health, which is integral to overall well-being, has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in the context of mens' health, aging, and womens' health.
26. In the parenting industry, emphasis is placed on child health and development, including weight management, cardiovascular health, and vaccination schedules.
27. Additionally, health and wellness extends to specific therapies and treatments, skin care, and sexual health, all of which play crucial roles in maintaining overall health.
28. The importance of health and wellness in various industries, such as finance, energy, retail, entrepreneurship, transportation, leadership, diversity and inclusion, small business, investing, wealth management, business, careers, venture capital, personal finance, banking and insurance, fintech, real estate, and the stock market, cannot be overstated.

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