Travel vaccine
Varicella Vaccine
Chickenpox (varicella) is a very infectious illness causing an itchy, blistering rash. It's usually mild in children but can be more serious in adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity. The vaccine protects those who haven't had chickenpox before.
Key facts
Who it's for
Teenagers and adults who haven't had chickenpox, and certain close contacts/workers
Vaccination course
2 doses, usually 4–8 weeks apart
Minimum age
From 1 year
Vaccine type
Live vaccine — not suitable in pregnancy or for some medical conditions
Protection
High level of protection after 2 doses
How it spreads
Coughs, sneezes and contact with the rash
What is Varicella?
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and spreads very easily through coughs, sneezes and contact with the blisters. It causes a fever and an itchy rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters and then scabs. Most children recover well, but the illness can be more severe in adults, in pregnancy, and in people whose immune system is weakened.
The varicella vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect people who have not already had chickenpox. It's particularly worth considering for non-immune teenagers and adults, healthcare workers, and people in close contact with someone whose immune system is weakened.
What are the symptoms of Varicella?
- A fever and feeling generally unwell
- An itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
- Blisters that crust over and form scabs
- Spots appearing in waves over a few days
- Loss of appetite and aches
- More severe illness is possible in adults and those with weakened immunity
How does the Varicella Vaccine work?
The varicella vaccine is a live vaccine given as two doses, usually four to eight weeks apart, providing a high level of protection. It's recommended for non-immune teenagers and adults and for certain workers and close contacts. As a live vaccine it isn't given during pregnancy, and pregnancy should be avoided for a month afterwards. We'll check your history and suitability at your appointment.
Book your appointment for Varicella Vaccine right now.
Who should consider the chickenpox vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended for people who haven't had chickenpox and are at higher risk of catching it or of more serious illness, including:
- Non-immune teenagers and adults (who tend to have more severe chickenpox)
- Healthcare and childcare workers who aren't already immune
- People in close contact with someone whose immune system is weakened
- Women planning a pregnancy (the vaccine is given beforehand, not during pregnancy)
The vaccination course
Two doses are given, usually four to eight weeks apart, for the best protection. If you're unsure whether you've had chickenpox, a blood test can sometimes check your immunity first.
Because it's a live vaccine, it isn't given during pregnancy, and it's best to avoid becoming pregnant for a month after vaccination. We'll talk this through at your appointment.
Possible side effects
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived:
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- A mild fever
- Occasionally a small number of chickenpox-like spots
- Serious reactions are very rare
Who should not have it
As a live vaccine, it isn't suitable for everyone. Please tell us if you:
- Are pregnant or might become pregnant in the next month
- Have a weakened immune system or are taking medicines that affect it
- Have had a serious reaction to a previous dose
- Are unsure of your history — we can advise and, if helpful, check your immunity
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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