Chikungunya Vaccine (IXCHIQ)
Single-dose protection for travellers to endemic tropical regions
Who needs it? Most travellers visiting tropical Africa, Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean, and Central/South America — especially those with outdoor or rural exposure.
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These are daytime biters also responsible for dengue and Zika. The disease causes sudden high fever and severe, often debilitating joint pain that can persist for weeks or months. There is no specific antiviral treatment.
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
Most Travellers
Adults 18 and older travelling to endemic regions with likely mosquito exposure — including the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent (India, Sri Lanka), and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines).
Higher Risk
- Travellers to areas with active outbreaks
- Those planning outdoor, adventure, or rural activities
- Long-stay travellers and expats
- Travellers staying in non-air-conditioned accommodations
Consult Your Physician
- Immunocompromised individuals (IXCHIQ is a live vaccine)
- Adults 65 and older (use with caution)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
About IXCHIQ
IXCHIQ (chikungunya vaccine, live) is the first chikungunya vaccine approved by Health Canada, indicated for adults 18 years of age and older. It is a single-dose live attenuated vaccine.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Doses | 1 dose |
| Timing | At least 10 days before travel |
| Age | 18 years and older |
| Type | Live attenuated vaccine |
| Protection duration | Expected long-lasting (ongoing studies) |
Where is Chikungunya a Risk?
Chikungunya is endemic and causes periodic outbreaks in:
- Caribbean: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and other islands
- Central & South America: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and others
- Sub-Saharan Africa: widespread across the region
- Indian Subcontinent: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
- Southeast Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines
- Pacific Islands: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and others
Your travel consultation will include a current outbreak assessment for your specific destinations and itinerary.
Get Vaccinated in Ottawa
Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy stocks IXCHIQ. After completing your virtual travel health consultation, you can receive the vaccine at our clinic:
Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy
2746 St. Joseph Blvd, Orleans, Ottawa, ON
Phone: 1-833-274-9673