Chickenpox Vaccines

Get effective protection from the varicella-zoster virus from adults and children with our chickenpox vaccination. Book a private appointment with one of our expert GPs to discuss your options and get protected.

Our Private Vaccinations

The chickenpox vaccine is not routinely offered on the NHS but can be requested privately. Chickenpox in any family can be a difficult time and may result in time taken off work for the parent. Get your family vaccinated today.

• Course - 2 doses of the varicella vaccine; with the second given 4-6 weeks after the first.
• Administration - An injection in the upper arm
• Side Effects - Mild side effects include fever, fatigue, and digestive issues. In rare cases, it can also cause a rash that resembles a mild case of chickenpox.
• Suitability - For anyone who has not previously had chickenpox between the ages of 9 months and 65 years. It is also recommended for those who have compromised immunity or those who come into contact with vulnerable people; the varicella vaccine is appropriate for pregnant women, those who have weakened immune systems e.g. with a diagnosis of HIV, and healthcare staff.

What is Chickenpox?

Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus that is typically contracted during childhood. However, it can affect adults later in life. 

While usually not dangerous, chickenpox can cause discomfort due to its symptoms, these include an itchy, spotty rash, fever, loss of appetite and other flu-like symptoms. While most people recover after 1-2 weeks, those with pre-existing conditions or a weakened immune system can be at serious risk from the chickenpox virus, such as newborns, older adults and pregnant women.

Although having chickenpox usually confers lifelong immunity, it's possible to develop shingles later in life. Despite this, the vaccine is not currently included in the UK's national vaccination schedule, but it is routinely administered in many other countries, such as the USA and Germany.

The Vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine is an effective way to protect against this illness. It's classified as a "live" vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. By receiving the vaccine into the deltoid muscle or subcutaneous fat of the upper arm, your immune system learns to recognise and fight it, helping you to build up lifelong immunity.

It's important to note that the vaccine will not  provide protection against other viruses, nor will it prevent shingles. To prevent shingles, you can get a separate vaccination.

To achieve full protection, two doses of the vaccine are required. The second dose should be given at least four, but no more than eight weeks after the first. After completing the two-dose course, you will not need any further boosters.

If you've been exposed to the chickenpox virus, getting vaccinated within three days can still prevent the illness.

Is the Vaccine Safe?

The chickenpox vaccine has been administered safely millions of times worldwide, and there are no known long-term side effects. The only serious side effect is a rare allergic reaction to the vaccine, which is estimated to occur in about one in a million patients who receive it.

Possible milder side effects of the vaccine include redness and soreness at the injection site, as well as a mild rash, which affects about 1 in 10 children and adults who receive the vaccine. This rash is not contagious and typically resolves quickly.

If you have concerns about immunisation, it's important to know that modern needles are much finer than older ones and should not cause much discomfort. Additionally, if you experience an abnormal reaction, you can contact your healthcare provider to check it out. A vaccination record card is provided after vaccination, and it acts as a record of the vaccinations you've received, including information about the vaccine's effectiveness and your booster dates. By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and those around you from this highly infectious disease.

What to Expect

Before administering the vaccine, a nurse or pharmacist will conduct a brief consultation and ask you some questions to determine if it is appropriate for you. If you have certain medical conditions or take specific medications, you may not be able to receive the vaccine, or you may have to wait until a later time to get it. In addition, if you have previously had an allergic reaction to any of the vaccine's ingredients, you cannot receive the chickenpox vaccine.

The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. After receiving the vaccine, it is necessary to use contraception for at least four weeks. If you are feeling unwell on the day of your vaccination, you may need to reschedule your appointment.

If you become ill on the day of your scheduled vaccination, it may be necessary to reschedule the appointment. However, if you are also planning to receive a flu vaccine, you can get them at the same time or at any interval without any interference.

It is not recommended to receive the chickenpox vaccine if you have previously had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients. Additionally, the vaccine is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and women trying to conceive should wait four weeks after receiving the vaccine to use contraception.

Have you had Chickenpox Before?

If your child has previously had chickenpox, they do not need to be vaccinated since they have lifelong immunity. However, if it is uncertain whether your child has had chickenpox, vaccinating them can prevent future contamination and is unlikely to cause harm. This is the same for adults who have previously had chickenpox.

But, if your child has been exposed to chickenpox but is not showing symptoms, they can still receive the vaccine within three days to potentially prevent or reduce the severity of the disease. Vaccination up to five days after exposure may also reduce disease severity.

Choose Midland Health

We are committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services that are readily available. We believe everyone should have access to effective vaccinations to help keep themselves and their families protected. Our advanced private clinics are staffed by top medical professionals dedicated to providing you with the care you need.

We prioritise the following goals:

• Offering quick appointments with expert GPs
• Removing waiting lists and the requirement for GP referrals
• Providing short-notice availability to access specialists as needed
• Providing up-to-date medical advice based on the latest research and national guidelines
• Offering access to cutting-edge medical technology
• Providing exceptional patient care