Chickenpox vaccination

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. It’s highly contagious and is spread through coughing, sneezing and direct contact. Chickenpox is a very common illness and most people catch it during their childhood. If you haven’t had chickenpox as a child you can still get it as an adult. Chickenpox is also referred to as varicella, which is the name of the virus that causes it.

Although it’s not usually dangerous, chickenpox can be very unpleasant as it causes an itchy rash and a fever. In most cases, the symptoms clear within a week. The virus can be dangerous for patients with an impaired immune system, newborn babies and pregnant women. Once you have had chickenpox, you’re usually immune for life but you could develop shingles at a later point in life.

The chickenpox vaccine is not currently part of the national vaccine schedule in the UK but it has been given routinely in a number of countries around the world, such as the USA and Germany.

Side effects of the vaccine

The vaccine can cause redness and soreness where you have received the jab. It is also possible that it will cause a mild rash – one in ten children and one in ten adults who receive the vaccine experience this side effect. This rash is not contagious and it should pass quickly. The only serious known side effect is an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Allergic reactions to the chickenpox vaccine are extremely rare and believed to affect around one in a million patients who receive the vaccine.

The chickenpox vaccine is safe and has been given several million times around the world. There are no known long-term side effects.

Who can get vaccinated?

Our pharmacist will provide a brief consultation and ask you a few questions to check whether the vaccine is suitable for you. If you suffer from certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications you may not be able to get the vaccination or you may need to get it at a later date. You can’t have the chickenpox vaccine if you have previously had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.

The vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women or women who are trying for a baby. After receiving the vaccine, you need to use contraception for at least four weeks. The vaccine is not recommended for breastfeeding women.

If you are ill on the day of your vaccination you may need to reschedule your appointment.

Pricing

Per dose: £70
Doses per course: 2
Price per course: £140

This service is by appointment only. Please complete for form above to make a booking enquiry or call us on 02085513017 to book your appointment.