Chickenpox is a common infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It often causes an itchy, blistering rash and fever, and many children recover without complications. However, chickenpox can be more serious in adults, pregnant people, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system. Vaccination can help protect people who have not previously had chickenpox and may reduce the risk of infection and complications.

What is the chickenpox vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. It contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, which stimulates the immune system without usually causing chickenpox in healthy people. The vaccine is not the same as the shingles vaccine, although both relate to the varicella-zoster virus.

Chickenpox vaccination is generally provided as a private service in the UK, although national recommendations and NHS availability can change. The pharmacist or clinician will assess whether vaccination is suitable and advise you about the appropriate schedule. Vaccination is not a treatment for an existing chickenpox infection and does not replace medical assessment if someone is already unwell.

Who may benefit from vaccination?

Vaccination may be considered for children aged one year or over and for adults who have not had chickenpox and are not already immune. It may be particularly useful for people whose circumstances increase the importance of avoiding infection, including:

  • Children who have not had chickenpox and whose parents or carers wish to reduce their risk of infection.
  • Adults who have no reliable history of chickenpox, particularly those who regularly work with children.
  • Healthcare, childcare and education workers who may be exposed to the virus through their work.
  • People living with, or regularly caring for, someone who has a weakened immune system, where avoiding chickenpox may be especially important.
  • People who may be planning a pregnancy and are not immune, provided vaccination is completed before pregnancy.

Having had chickenpox usually provides long-lasting immunity, although people may not always be certain whether a childhood rash was chickenpox. If your history is unclear, the pharmacist or clinician can discuss whether vaccination is appropriate. Routine blood testing is not always needed before vaccination.

Why can chickenpox be a concern?

Chickenpox is usually self-limiting, but complications can occur. These include bacterial infection of the skin, pneumonia, inflammation affecting the brain and dehydration. The risk of more serious illness is higher in adults and in people with conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system.

Chickenpox during pregnancy can also require specialist medical advice because the infection may affect the pregnant person and, in some circumstances, the developing baby. Anyone who is pregnant and has been exposed to chickenpox, or develops a rash, should contact their midwife, GP or NHS 111 promptly for advice.

Vaccinating someone who is susceptible may also help reduce the chance of passing chickenpox to vulnerable household members. It cannot provide complete protection in every situation, and vaccinated people can occasionally still develop infection, but illness may be less severe.

How many doses are needed?

Chickenpox vaccination is usually given as a two-dose course. The doses must be separated by an appropriate interval, commonly at least four weeks, but the exact timing depends on the person’s age, health, vaccine product and current clinical guidance.

The pharmacist will confirm the schedule before vaccination and explain when the next dose is due. Completing the course is important for the best available protection. If a dose is delayed, you will not usually need to restart the course; the vaccination team can advise how to continue.

What happens at the appointment?

Before vaccination, the pharmacist or clinician will ask about your medical history, previous chickenpox or vaccination, allergies, current medicines and any recent illness. For a child, consent must be provided by someone with parental responsibility or another authorised adult in line with the service requirements.

The vaccine is administered by injection, usually into the upper arm. The appointment is brief, but you should allow time for a clinical assessment and for any questions you may have. The vaccinator will record the vaccination and provide advice about the next dose if one is needed.

Tell the vaccination team if you or your child:

  • Has had a serious allergic reaction to a previous vaccine or any vaccine ingredient.
  • Has a condition or takes treatment that affects the immune system.
  • Has recently received another live vaccine.
  • Is pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • Is currently unwell, has a high temperature or has recently been exposed to chickenpox.
  • Has recently received a blood product or certain antibody-containing treatment.

When is vaccination not suitable?

Because the chickenpox vaccine is live, it is not routinely given during pregnancy or to people with certain immune system problems. Anyone who is planning a pregnancy should discuss vaccination in advance. After vaccination, you will normally be advised to avoid becoming pregnant for the period specified by the current product information and clinical guidance.

Vaccination may need to be postponed during a significant acute illness. A minor cold without a fever does not always prevent vaccination, but the pharmacist will make an individual assessment. People with a history of severe allergy, those taking immunosuppressive medicines and anyone with a complex medical condition should discuss vaccination with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Possible side effects

Most side effects are mild and settle without treatment. The injection site may become sore, red or swollen. Some people develop a mild fever, tiredness or a small number of chickenpox-like spots several days after vaccination. These symptoms are generally short-lived.

Seek urgent medical help if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread hives, collapse or severe dizziness. If you are concerned about symptoms after vaccination, contact Avante Pharmacy, your GP or NHS 111, depending on the urgency.

After your vaccination

Keep a record of each dose and follow the advice provided by the vaccination team. If a mild local reaction occurs, keeping the area comfortable and drinking fluids may help. Do not give medicines to prevent a fever unless advised by a healthcare professional. If a child develops a rash after vaccination, avoid close contact with people who are pregnant and not immune or who have a severely weakened immune system until you have received advice.

Vaccination does not guarantee that infection cannot occur. If you develop a widespread itchy rash, fever or feel significantly unwell after possible exposure, seek advice before attending a healthcare setting, as chickenpox can spread easily.

Book a chickenpox vaccination consultation

If you or your child may benefit from protection against chickenpox, book a chickenpox vaccination at Avante Pharmacy. Our team can assess suitability, answer your questions and explain the vaccination schedule.