Chickenpox Vaccination

The Chickenpox vaccine (varicella vaccine) is recommended for most people who have not had Chickenpox or been vaccinated previously, as it helps prevent the infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.  

Key considerations: 

Adults: If you’re an adult who has never had Chickenpox and have not been vaccinated, you should get the vaccine. This is particularly important if you’re in close contact with young children, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems. 

Children: In the UK, the Chickenpox vaccine is not routinely given as part of standard childhood vaccinations, unless they are considered high risk. 

Pregnancy: Pregnant women who have never had Chickenpox should avoid the vaccine during pregnancy but can receive it after delivery if needed.  

Why is it important? 

Chickenpox can be a serious illness, especially for adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. The vaccine reduces the risk of getting Chickenpox and can also reduce the severity of the disease if you do get infected. 

Consult a healthcare professional, for example one of our nurses during the consultation, if the Chickenpox vaccine is right for you, especially if you are at higher risk of exposure or complications. 

The Chickenpox vaccine is highly effective, providing about 90% protection against Chickenpox. 

Studies indicate that the Chickenpox vaccine provides long-term immunity against the virus. Most vaccinated individuals remain protected for many years, and immunity may last a lifetime for some. 

Ongoing research suggests that the vaccine’s effectiveness remains high for at least 10 to 20 years and likely much longer. While breakthrough cases of Chickenpox can occur, they are typically much milder than in unvaccinated individuals. 

A consultation with our specialist travel nurse costs £20 for the first appointment and £10 for additional people and follow ups. The consultation is required to assess your travel plans and medical history and recommend vaccinations for your individual needs. A dose of the Chickenpox vaccine costs £89, and 2 doses are required. The full course offers protection for lifetime protection.  

Please see our full price list for details and speak to our staff in clinics about customised price plans for groups, families or when you book your full course in advance. 

Common side effects of the Chickenpox vaccine are generally mild and may include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, and a mild rash. These side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days. 

Rare side effects can include more severe reactions such as seizures (often associated with fever), pneumonia, and severe allergic reactions. Although these serious side effects are extremely rare, individuals should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that concern them following vaccination. 

The benefits of vaccination, which include protection against a potentially serious disease, far outweigh the small risk of rare side effects. 

You can get the Chickenpox vaccine in one of our flagship clinics with locations in: 

• London: Victoria, Moorgate, London Bridge 

• Hampshire: Winchester, Southampton 

• Hertfordshire: Hitchin 

• Sussex: Brighton & Hove, Worthing 

• Kent: Ashford 

You can also visit one of our local pharmacy partners by finding a clinic near you. 

Is Chickenpox the same as Shingles?

No, Chickenpox and Shingles are caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus, but they are different conditions. Chickenpox is the primary infection, typically occurring in childhood, and causes an itchy rash with red spots and blisters. Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in the body after a Chickenpox infection, is reactivated later in life, often causing a painful rash, usually on one side of the body or face. 

What are symptoms of Chickenpox?

The classic symptom is a rash, which is very itchy and can be widespread affecting the face, chest, arms and legs. Sometimes, the blisters can occur inside the mouth. There is often fever and cold symptoms also. The symptoms tend to improve after 1 week. 

The illness can vary from mild symptoms with a few spots to itchy rash covering the whole body, which can be very distressing, affecting sleep, school and work and causing scarring to the skin.

Does the Chickenpox vaccine cause Chickenpox?

No, the Chickenpox vaccine does not cause Chickenpox. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, which stimulates the immune system to create protection against the disease without causing the full illness. While it is possible to experience mild symptoms, such as a rash, after vaccination, these are typically much less severe than the symptoms of natural Chickenpox. 

Are you contagious after the Chickenpox vaccine? 

No, you are not contagious after receiving the Chickenpox vaccine. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, but it does not cause the illness in a way that can be spread to others. However, in very rare cases, some people who have received the Chickenpox vaccine may develop a mild rash, but this is not contagious. It is important to note that the risk of developing a mild rash is extremely low. 

What is the schedule for the Chickenpox vaccine?

The Chickenpox vaccination requires 2 doses with an interval of 4-8 weeks between doses. In case of exposure, the vaccine can be administered as post exposure prevention and the first dose must be given within 3 days of the exposure to prevent the disease from developing. The first dose can be given 3-5 days from exposure to modify the severity of the disease. After 5 days from exposure, there is no evidence that the vaccine will change the course of the infection and therefore, is not beneficial. 

How often do you need a Chickenpox booster? 

In most cases, a Chickenpox booster is not needed if you have received the two doses of the Chickenpox vaccine. 

Can children have the Chickenpox vaccine?

Children from the age of 1 are eligible to receive the Chickenpox vaccine. The full course requires 2 doses with an interval of 4 to 8 weeks in-between. 

Who is not able to have the Chickenpox vaccine? 

The vaccine cannot be given to the following groups: 

• Anyone with suppressed or weakened immune system caused by diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, severe HIV infection or due to drugs such as oral steroids, cancer therapies. 

• In the presence of an illness with a high temperature (above 38.5 degrees Celsius) 

• If there is a previous history of severe allergic reaction to Chickenpox vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine (see FAQ section) 

• Anyone with active Tuberculosis 

• Anyone with an uncontrolled neurological disorder, such as epilepsy not responding to medications. 

• Pregnant women

Is the Chickenpox vaccine free on the NHS? 

In the UK, the Chickenpox vaccine is not routinely offered to all children through the NHS. It is available for certain groups, such as children with weakened immune systems or those at high risk of complications from Chickenpox. However, the vaccine is generally not part of the standard childhood immunisation schedule.