Chicken Pox Vaccination

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It spreads easily through the air via coughing and sneezing, and through direct contact with the fluid from blisters. While commonly considered a childhood illness, chickenpox can be significantly more severe in adults, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems, potentially leading to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and secondary bacterial skin infections.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

• Healthy individuals aged 12 months to 65 years who have not previously had chickenpox
• Healthcare workers who have close contact with immunocompromised patients
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals with unavoidable ongoing exposure
• Susceptible individuals who have been exposed to varicella within the last 3 days

Who Should Not Receive This Vaccine?

• Pregnant women or those attempting to conceive
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Individuals with severely compromised immune systems

Vaccination Schedule

Two doses are required for full protection. The doses are given 4 to 6 weeks apart. If you have already received one dose previously, only a single top-up dose is needed. The chickenpox vaccine must either be given on the same day as the MMR vaccine or with a minimum 4-week gap between the two vaccines.

What to Expect

The vaccine is given as a small injection, typically into the upper arm. Most people experience minimal discomfort. You may notice mild redness or soreness at the injection site for a day or two. A small number of people develop a mild chickenpox-like rash within 3 to 4 weeks of vaccination — this is normal and not a cause for concern.

Pricing

Chickenpox Vaccine — £75.00 per dose. Please note that prices may be subject to change at short notice depending upon supplier charges. Please check with staff for our latest prices.