Chikungunya vaccine (inactivated)

How it works

It presents inactivated chikungunya viral antigen to the immune system to stimulate production of neutralising antibodies, providing protection without the ability to cause active infection.

Prescribing in practice

• Contraindicated in those with a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any vaccine component, and administration should follow current national immunisation and travel-health advice.
• As an inactivated vaccine it does not cause chikungunya infection, but it should be deferred in acute febrile illness.
• Document the vaccine and complete any required schedule, and counsel that protection is not immediate.

Monitoring

Observe for immediate hypersensitivity after administration; no routine laboratory monitoring is required.

Counselling the patient

• This vaccine helps protect against chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness, for travel to affected regions.
• Continue mosquito-bite precautions, as no vaccine gives complete protection.
• Report any severe allergic reaction such as swelling or breathing difficulty.

Evidence & guidelines

Use should follow current MHRA product information and national travel and immunisation guidance for chikungunya vaccination.