Planning a trip abroad? Your safety starts long before takeoff. Vaccinations and travel insurance play a critical role in ensuring you’re protected—especially when traveling to regions with higher risks of disease outbreaks or specific legal entry requirements.

At Houston Vaccines, we provide essential travel vaccines, including the newly approved Chikungunya vaccine, along with documentation and guidance to ensure your trip is safe and legally compliant.

🦟 Chikungunya Disease & Vaccination

Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes, especially in tropical and subtropical regions such as Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and India. It causes sudden fever and severe joint pain, which may persist for weeks or even months.

👤 Who Is at Risk?

• Travelers with underlying health conditions

• Pregnant women (especially in the third trimester)

• Travelers heading to countries with ongoing outbreaks

If you must travel to an affected area, personal protection and vaccination are highly recommended.

🛡️ Personal Protection Tips

• Use EPA-approved mosquito repellents

• Wear long sleeves and pants

• Sleep in air-conditioned or screened-in rooms

• Stay in accommodations with mosquito nets

💉 The Chikungunya Vaccine: IXCHIQ

The Chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023. In 2024, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended its use for travelers to areas with high transmission risk.

📍Available now at Houston Vaccines – Schedule your appointment

📜 Legal Requirements for U.S. Travelers

Although the Chikungunya vaccine is not a legal entry requirement for any country as of now, travelers from the U.S. must be aware of these legal and insurance-related considerations:

✈️ International Travel Health Requirements (U.S. Departure)

• While proof of Chikungunya vaccination is not required for entry by any country yet, some countries with active outbreaks may recommend it for high-risk individuals.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend carrying an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) if vaccinated for any diseases.

• Yellow Fever vaccination may still be mandatory for entry into several African and South American countries.

🧠 Tip: Always check your destination’s health regulations on the CDC Travel Health Notices and WHO International Travel and Health.

💼 Travel Insurance Considerations

Travel insurance providers often have fine print regarding disease prevention. Here’s what you should know:

• Policies may deny claims for medical expenses caused by vaccine-preventable diseases if you opted out of vaccination.

• Some insurers require proof of recommended vaccinations when traveling to outbreak-prone areas.

• Coverage may be invalidated if you travel against CDC travel advisories without proper precautions or documentation.

→ Get covered and protected: Speak to your provider and confirm what travel vaccines are required for your insurance to remain valid.

✅ Get Prepared at Houston Vaccines

At Houston Vaccines, we offer:

• Chikungunya (IXCHIQ) and other essential travel vaccines

• Vaccine documentation and Yellow Cards

• Personalized consultation for region-specific vaccine requirements

• Insurance-friendly receipts and forms

📅 Book your appointment today and travel with peace of mind!