Chicken Pox Vaccine

When to book the chickenpox vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine is for anyone who has not had chickenpox and wants protection. It is particularly important for:

• Adults who have never had chickenpox, as it tends to be more severe in adults
• Women planning a pregnancy who have not had chickenpox, at least 1 month before conceiving
• Healthcare workers and anyone working closely with vulnerable people
• People in close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system
• Parents protecting their children from the discomfort and complications of chickenpox
• Travellers to countries where chickenpox is more common in adults

It is suitable from 9 months of age. It is not suitable during pregnancy, for people with severely weakened immune systems, or anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, spread by direct contact or airborne droplets. Someone with chickenpox is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all blisters have crusted over, usually 5 to 7 days. Symptoms include an itchy blister-like rash starting on the face, chest and back, a high temperature, tiredness, loss of appetite and headache.

In children it is usually mild and clears within 1 to 2 weeks. In adults it can be much more serious, with a higher risk of pneumonia, encephalitis and secondary bacterial skin infections. In pregnancy it can cause severe pneumonia in the mother, congenital varicella syndrome if infection occurs in the first 28 weeks, and life-threatening neonatal chickenpox around the time of delivery. The vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy, so plan ahead.

Vaccination schedule

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

The vaccine is given in the upper arm or thigh and can be given alongside other vaccines. If you are also having MMR, both can be given on the same day or at least 4 weeks apart. No booster is needed after the 2-dose course. The vaccine gives around 98% protection in children and 75% in adults.

Side effects are usually mild: pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, a mild high temperature, or a mild chickenpox-like rash near the injection site or on the body within a month. Serious reactions are very rare, and we ask you to wait for a short observation period afterwards.

Chickenpox and shingles

After chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles. Avoiding chickenpox in the first place also reduces your risk of shingles. We also offer the shingles vaccine for eligible adults.

Find the chickenpox vaccine near you

No GP referral required. The vaccine is not part of the routine NHS childhood schedule and is free only for certain groups such as healthcare workers, so we offer it privately at competitive prices. Trained pharmacist vaccinators, suitable from 9 months, with full consultation and aftercare. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.