Risks of medical tourism, and first chikungunya vaccine

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In print
Travel medicine

Risks of medical tourism, and first chikungunya vaccine

By Joan Ingram
Surgeon operating
People seeking healthcare overseas must remember that air travel and surgery independently increase the risk for blood clots [Image: Artur Tumasjanon Unsplash]

This article looks at the risks associated with medical tourism, particularly when travelling overseas for cosmetic surgery. It then discusses the immunogenicity and safety of the first vaccine to prevent disease caused by chikungunya virus

This Practice article has been endorsed by the RNZCGP and has been approved for up to 0.25 credits for continuing professional development purposes (1, Educate small, BACK panel - grey
References

1. Hudson M, Matos JA, Alvarez B, et al. Deaths of U.S. citizens undergoing cosmetic surgery – Dominican Republic, 2009-2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73(3):62–65.

2. Schneider M, Narciso-Abraham M, Hadl S, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of a single-shot live-attenuated chikungunya vaccine: a double-blind, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet 2023;401(10394):2138–47.