Can I receive travel immunizations if I have existing or chronic conditions?

Chronic health conditions do not mean you can’t travel safely. Here are some tips for safe traveling: Consult with a travel clinic such as us, to see if you require any medications or immunizations If you travel with any medications or require any special equipment, make sure you carry documentation such as a letter from your physician explaining your condition and supplies Carry a record of all your medications and dosages, as well as any vaccinations you have received If you will cross time zones, make sure you plan ahead and fully understand the applicable schedule for your medications and treatments Don’t forget to pack extra medication to last in case of departures Don’t pack important medications or equipment in your checked-in luggage in case it is misplaced by an airline or airport, or possibly damaged during transportation Before you depart, be sure to have appropriate health insurance and coverage. Obtain advice and review any exclusions or limitations. With a little bit of planning, travelers with chronic health conditions can enjoy their trip just like everyone else!

Can I receive travel vaccines if I am pregnant?

Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before travel and prior to any medications, including vaccinations. In general, vaccinations should be avoided in the first trimester. Live virus vaccines, such as oral typhoid, should be avoided in all trimesters. A travel clinic physician can advise you on vaccination, taking into account the risks of contracting a disease while pregnant, as well as the potential risks of vaccination for both the mother and the fetus.

What is Chikungunya Virus?

Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne illness that causes debilitating symptoms such as fever, severe joint pain, headaches, muscle pain, and rashes. The virus spreads through infected mosquitoes and poses a significant risk to travelers visiting affected regions, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Without a specific treatment for the disease, prevention is critical.

How Chikungunya Virus Spreads

The chikungunya virus spreads primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Here’s how the transmission occurs:

Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person carrying the virus.
Once infected, the mosquito can transmit the virus to another person through subsequent bites.
Rarely, the virus can spread through:
- Blood transfusion
- Handling infected blood in a laboratory setting
- Drawing blood from an infected patient
Chikungunya is not spread through casual contact, such as touching, sneezing, or coughing.

For travelers visiting regions with chikungunya outbreaks, vaccination and mosquito bite prevention are the best ways to protect yourself.

Introducing IXCHIQ: The Chikungunya Vaccine

At Swift Clinics, we are proud to offer IXCHIQ, a live-attenuated vaccine designed for active immunization against chikungunya virus in adults aged 18 years and older. This single-dose vaccine helps protect you from chikungunya-related illness, giving you peace of mind before your travels.

Who Should Consider the IXCHIQ Vaccine?

Vaccination is recommended for:

Travelers visiting areas with a high prevalence of chikungunya virus.
Individuals seeking to reduce the risk of severe joint pain and other symptoms caused by chikungunya.
Those who want added protection in conjunction with mosquito bite prevention measures.

About the IXCHIQ Vaccine

Dosage: Administered as a single intramuscular injection.
Efficacy: Provides protection against all globally circulating chikungunya virus strains.
Safety: While mild side effects like headache, fatigue, and injection site tenderness are common, severe side effects are rare.

Important Considerations

IXCHIQ is not recommended for individuals under 18, pregnant women, or those with certain immune conditions.
Continue practicing mosquito prevention methods even after vaccination for optimal protection.
Consult our healthcare professionals if you have concerns about allergies or medical conditions.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Considerations

Pregnancy: IXCHIQ is not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant for one month following vaccination. While rare, chikungunya infection during pregnancy may pose risks to the unborn baby, particularly if the infection occurs around the time of delivery.
Breastfeeding: Chikungunya virus has not been detected in breast milk, and there have been no reports of infants being infected through breastfeeding. However, the potential for transmission of the vaccine virus through breast milk is unknown. Mothers are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.