Chicken Pox (Varicella)
Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly infectious disease that typically causes a widespread rash (which commonly results in scarring) and often the person can have symptoms including feeling generally unwell and a fever. Symptoms are usually mild in young children but the likelihood of more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, increases with age. Infection during pregnancy has risks for the mother and the unborn child.
The Vaccine
Who can have this vaccine?
The vaccine is suitable for adults and children over the age of 12 months.
The vaccine is NOT suitable for anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.
Doses required
2 doses
- The second dose should be at least 6 weeks after the first.
Price
Price per dose
Total for all doses
£90
£180
How is it given?
This is an injection in the upper arm (or thigh).
Other information
The vaccine contains a small amount of the weakened (attenuated) varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox. This isn’t enough virus to give you chickenpox but is enough for your immune system to develop a defence (antibodies) against the virus. Your immune system remembers these antibodies and can produce them again, making you resistant to the virus.
Up to 10% of adults and 5% of children develop a vaccine associated rash either at the site of the injection or over the body within one month of immunisation. You may also have pain and redness at the site of the injection or a mild fever within the next three days.
For 6 weeks after being vaccinated, you should avoid close contact with:
• individuals with a weakened immune system;
• pregnant women who either have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against chickenpox;
• new-born infants of mothers who either have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against chickenpox.
Patient Leaflet
Please refer to the patient leaflet for full information on this vaccine: