Essential Guide to the Chikungunya Vaccine in Surrey: Stay Protected Before You Travel

If you’re planning to travel to tropical or subtropical areas, especially parts of Africa, Asia, or the Caribbean, protecting yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses is critical. One such illness, Chikungunya, has become increasingly common among international travellers.

At Surrey Travel Clinics, located in Horton (Epsom) and Oxshott, we now offer the licensed Chikungunya vaccine, administered by experienced healthcare professionals to help you stay safe abroad.

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same species responsible for spreading dengue and Zika. The virus is especially prevalent in:

• Sub-Saharan Africa

• Southeast Asia

• The Indian subcontinent

• South and Central America

• The Caribbean

• Some Pacific islands

Though not typically life-threatening, Chikungunya can cause intense joint pain, debilitating fatigue, and other long-lasting symptoms that can disrupt your travel and well-being.

Symptoms of Chikungunya

Chikungunya symptoms generally begin 3–7 days after a mosquito bite. Common signs include:

• Sudden high fever

• Severe joint pain, often in hands and feet

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Skin rash

• Fatigue

• Nausea

In most cases, symptoms resolve within a week, but joint pain can persist for months or even years, particularly in older adults.

Why Get the Chikungunya Vaccine?

The new licensed Chikungunya vaccine offers critical protection for travellers to high-risk areas. Unlike many other mosquito-borne illnesses, Chikungunya has no specific treatment—making prevention through vaccination the best defence.

Benefits of vaccination include:

• Reduced risk of infection

• Protection from chronic joint pain

• Peace of mind during your travels

• Supporting global efforts to limit disease transmission

Who Should Consider the Chikungunya Vaccine?

You should strongly consider the Chikungunya vaccine if you are:

• Travelling to areas with ongoing or recent Chikungunya outbreaks

• Planning extended stays in rural, coastal, or urban environments in endemic regions

• Participating in outdoor activities like trekking, backpacking, or volunteering

• Visiting friends or family in high-risk zones

• Over 60 or have chronic health conditions (due to risk of severe or prolonged symptoms)

Vaccine Availability in Surrey

Surrey Travel Clinics proudly offer the Chikungunya vaccine at both our accessible locations:

Horton Branch (Epsom)

• Address: Horton Local Centre, Pelman Way, Epsom KT19 8HJ

• Phone: 01372 721749

• Opening Hours: Mon–Fri (9 am–6 pm), Sat (9 am–1 pm)

Oxshott Branch

• Address: Oxshott Village Pharmacy, Braeside House, High St, Oxshott, KT22 0JP

• Phone: 01372 233585

• Opening Hours: Mon–Fri (9 am–6 pm), Sat (9 am–1 pm)

Both locations serve surrounding areas like Leatherhead, Ashtead, Claygate, Chessington, and Cobham, with free parking and easy public transport links.

How is the Chikungunya Vaccine Administered?

The Chikungunya vaccine is administered as a single injection, providing protection shortly after immunisation. Our specialist pharmacists at Surrey Travel Clinics will assess your travel dates and personal health to determine the most suitable vaccination schedule.

If you’re travelling imminently, we offer same-week appointments to ensure you don’t miss the window for protection.

When Should You Get Vaccinated?

Ideally, you should receive the Chikungunya vaccine at least 2–4 weeks before travel. This ensures your body has time to build immunity before potential exposure.

Even if your departure is soon, contact our clinics—we may still be able to offer timely protection.

Are There Any Side Effects?

The Chikungunya vaccine is considered safe and effective, with minimal side effects reported. These may include:

• Redness or swelling at the injection site

• Mild fever

• Fatigue or headache

Severe reactions are rare. Our trained healthcare professionals at both Horton and Oxshott are available to discuss any concerns and offer personalised advice.

Preventive Measures Alongside Vaccination

Even after vaccination, taking additional precautions can reduce your risk of mosquito bites:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin

• Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, especially during early morning and evening

• Sleep under mosquito nets or in screened/air-conditioned rooms

• Eliminate standing water around living spaces, which are mosquito breeding grounds

Why Choose Surrey Travel Clinics?

We’re more than just vaccination providers—we’re your local travel health experts, helping residents of Surrey, Epsom, Horton, and Oxshott prepare for safe and healthy journeys.

With our:

• Experienced pharmacists

• Easy online booking

• Friendly, personalised advice

• Convenient Surrey locations

—we make your travel health prep stress-free and reliable.

Whether you’re jetting off for business, leisure, or family visits, we’re here to help you stay protected.

Book Your Chikungunya Vaccine in Surrey Today

Don’t leave your health to chance. Protect yourself with the Chikungunya vaccine in Surrey at our trusted travel clinics.

📍 Epsom (Horton) Clinic

📞 01372 721749

📍 Oxshott Clinic

📞 01372 233585

Book online now and get ready for your adventure—confident, covered, and carefree.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Chikungunya vaccine available in the UK?

Yes, a licensed Chikungunya vaccine is now available in the UK, including at Surrey Travel Clinics in Horton and Oxshott.

2. Do I need the vaccine if I’ve already had Chikungunya?

If you've previously contracted the virus, you may have some immunity, but vaccination may still be advised depending on your health and future travel plans. Our pharmacists can help assess your needs.

3. Is the Chikungunya vaccine suitable for children?

Currently, the vaccine is recommended for adults and older adolescents. Our clinicians will evaluate age-eligibility during your consultation.

4. How long does the vaccine protection last?

Protection duration is still being studied but is believed to offer long-term immunity. Booster recommendations will be updated as research progresses.

5. Can I get the Chikungunya vaccine along with other travel vaccines?

Yes! Our clinics can schedule your Chikungunya vaccine alongside others like typhoid, hepatitis A, or yellow fever, depending on your destination.

6. Is it too late to get the vaccine if I travel next week?

Not at all. Same-week appointments are often available. Some protection is better than none, even if time is limited.