Chicken Pox Vaccine

What is chickenpox?

Chicken pox is a highly contagious infection caused by varicella zoster virus and is spread through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact. Most children get it at some point before the age of 10 and occasionally adults can too.

Chickenpox Symptoms:

Rash of small, itchy red spots that fill with fluid, then dry out and fall off
The rash can show up anywhere on the body
Symptoms often start with a mild fever or headache and tend to appear 1-3 weeks after infection. Adults can experience flu like symptoms.

Who is at risk from chickenpox?

It is most common in children. Whilst complications are rare, adults can experience more severe symptoms, so it is vital to keep your child at home until the blisters have scabbed over, and avoid contact with vulnerable people such as pregnant women, new-borns and those with a lower immune system.

Who should have the chickenpox vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine is not routinely provided on the NHS unless you are eligible, but you can choose to go private. It is available for the anyone between the ages one to 65 (eligibility applies).

It is not suitable for pregnant women, anyone with a weakened immune system or if you have the MMR vaccine in the last month.

If you are looking to protect yourself or your child from Chickenpox, speak to us today about the chickenpox vaccine, which a private service. You will need to have a short consultation with the pharmacist to check suitability, followed by two chickenpox vaccinations, six weeks apart at £72 each.

How is the chickenpox vaccine given?

The chickenpox vaccine is given as 2 separate injections, usually into the upper arm, 4 to 6 weeks apart.

What happens at the appointment?

Book the chickenpox vaccine at your local Day Lewis pharmacy
Receive the first dose of the chickenpox vaccine (if suitable) after a pharmacist consultation
Return for a second dose of the chickenpox vaccine at least six weeks later

Are there any side effects to the vaccination?

Whilst the chickenpox vaccinations shouldn’t cause too much discomfort, there can be some soreness and redness around the area of the injection and a mild rash. It is possible to develop a fever (high temperature over 37.5 °C), so it’s a good idea to check your, or your child’s, temperature regularly with a thermometer and use age-appropriate paracetamol if needed. It is recommended to avoid contact with anyone who is at risk during the six weeks in between the vaccinations.