Chicken Pox Vaccine

Chickenpox Vaccine | Varicella Vaccination Service | Allied Pharmacies

Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While often considered a mild childhood illness, chickenpox can cause serious complications in certain groups including adults, pregnant women, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.

The chickenpox vaccine provides effective protection against the virus. According to the NHS, the vaccine offers approximately 98% protection in children and around 75% protection in adults. At Allied Pharmacies, our trained pharmacists offer private chickenpox vaccination for children and adults without the need for a GP referral.

Use the postcode search below to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy offering chickenpox vaccination.

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It spreads very easily through direct contact with an infected person or through airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing. A person with chickenpox is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over, which usually takes around 5 to 7 days.

Symptoms of chickenpox typically include:

• An itchy, blister-like rash that usually starts on the face, chest and back before spreading to the rest of the body
• A high temperature (fever)
• Tiredness and feeling generally unwell
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

In most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that clears up on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. However, in adults and high-risk groups, it can be much more serious and may lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or secondary bacterial skin infections.

Who Should Get the Chickenpox Vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine is recommended for anyone who has not previously had chickenpox and wants to protect themselves or their family. It is particularly important for:

• Adults who have never had chickenpox — chickenpox tends to be more severe in adults than in children
• Women planning a pregnancy who have not had chickenpox (the vaccine should be given at least 1 month before becoming pregnant)
• Healthcare workers and people who work closely with vulnerable individuals
• People in close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system
• Parents who want to protect their children from the discomfort and complications of chickenpox
• Travellers to countries where chickenpox is more common in adults

The NHS states the vaccine is suitable for people aged 9 months and over. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with severely weakened immune systems or anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose.

Chickenpox Vaccination Schedule

The chickenpox vaccine requires 2 doses for full protection:

• Children and adults — 2 doses given 4 to 8 weeks apart
• Babies aged 9 to 12 months — 2 doses given at least 3 months apart

The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm or thigh. It can be given at the same time as other vaccines. If you are also having the MMR vaccine, both can be given on the same day or at least 4 weeks apart.

No booster dose is needed after the initial 2-dose course. Your pharmacist will schedule both doses during your first appointment.

Chickenpox Vaccine Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the chickenpox vaccine can cause side effects, but the NHS confirms these are usually mild and short-lived. Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• A mild high temperature
• A mild chickenpox-like rash near the injection site or on the body, which may appear within 1 month of vaccination

Serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions, are very rare. Your pharmacist will ask you to wait for a short observation period after your vaccination as a precaution.

Chickenpox in Adults and Pregnancy

While chickenpox is often seen as a childhood illness, it can be significantly more serious in adults. The NHS warns that adults who catch chickenpox are more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation) compared to children.

Chickenpox is particularly dangerous during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman catches chickenpox, it can cause serious problems for both mother and baby, including:

• Pneumonia in the mother, which can be severe during pregnancy
• Congenital varicella syndrome if the infection occurs during the first 28 weeks, which can cause birth defects
• Neonatal chickenpox if the mother develops chickenpox around the time of delivery, which can be life-threatening for the newborn

The NHS advises that women planning a pregnancy who have not had chickenpox should consider getting vaccinated at least 1 month before trying to conceive. The vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy, so it is important to plan ahead.

Chickenpox Vaccine: NHS vs Private

The chickenpox vaccine is not routinely offered as part of the standard NHS childhood vaccination schedule. On the NHS, it is available free of charge for certain groups, including healthcare workers and people in close contact with immunocompromised individuals.

For everyone else, the chickenpox vaccine is available privately. At Allied Pharmacies, we offer private chickenpox vaccination at a competitive price, with no GP referral needed. This means you can protect yourself or your child quickly and conveniently at your local pharmacy.

Chickenpox and Shingles: The Connection

After recovering from chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the body. In some people, it can reactivate later in life and cause shingles, a painful blistering rash. Having the chickenpox vaccine reduces the chance of getting chickenpox in the first place and, as a result, reduces the risk of developing shingles in later life.

If you are concerned about shingles, Allied Pharmacies also offers the Shingles Vaccine for eligible adults.

How the Chickenpox Vaccination Service Works

Getting vaccinated at Allied Pharmacies is quick and convenient.

• Book your appointment — use our online booking system or call your nearest Allied Pharmacy
• Consultation — your pharmacist will review your medical history and check the vaccine is suitable for you
• Vaccination — the vaccine is given as a simple injection. The process takes just a few minutes
• Second dose — your pharmacist will schedule your second dose 4 to 8 weeks later to complete the course

Most patients experience no significant discomfort during the vaccination. If you are anxious about needles, let your pharmacist know and they will take extra care to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Children are welcome and our pharmacists are experienced in vaccinating young patients in a calm, reassuring environment.

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies?

• No GP referral required — book directly with your local pharmacy
• Trained and experienced pharmacist vaccinators
• Competitive pricing for private vaccination
• Convenient high street locations near you
• Suitable for children (from 9 months) and adults
• Full consultation and aftercare advice included

Related Vaccination Services

Allied Pharmacies offers a wide range of vaccination services:

• Shingles Vaccine — protection against shingles for eligible adults
• MMR Vaccine — protection against measles, mumps and rubella
• HPV Vaccine — protection against human papillomavirus
• Meningitis B Vaccine — private vaccination against meningococcal group B
• Meningitis ACWY Vaccine — for teenagers, university students and travellers

Visit our full list of pharmacy services to see everything available at your nearest Allied Pharmacy.

Find a Chickenpox Vaccine Near You

Private chickenpox vaccination is available at participating Allied Pharmacies across the UK. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest pharmacy, check availability and book your appointment today.

Whether you are protecting your child, preparing for pregnancy or simply want peace of mind, our pharmacists are here to help.

For more information about chickenpox and the vaccine, visit the NHS chickenpox vaccine page.