Chickenpox Vaccination
Protect yourself or your child against chickenpox with our private chickenpox vaccination service. The vaccine helps to prevent infection with the varicella zoster (VZ) virus, reducing the risk of illness and preventing transmission to others.
WHO IT’S FOR
Who Can Use the Service?
Who is eligible?
You may be suitable for the chickenpox vaccine if you are:
A healthy, non-immune individual
A child from 12 months of age (Varilrix or Varivax)
A health worker in contact with immunocompromised patients
A close contact of someone who is immunocompromised
A susceptible individual recently exposed to chickenpox (within 3 days)
Who cannot have the vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine may not be suitable if you:
Have already had chickenpox, or currently have an active infection
Are younger than 12 months
Are pregnant, or planning pregnancy within 1 month of vaccination
Have hypersensitivity to varicella vaccine or its ingredients (including gelatin, neomycin, or sorbitol)
Have a severe latex allergy
Have untreated tuberculosis
Are immunosuppressed (e.g. due to chemotherapy, blood cancers, HIV, lymphomas, or immunodeficiency conditions)
Are receiving high-dose steroids or certain medications
Have a severe febrile illness at the time of vaccination
WHO IT’S FOR
Who Can Use the Service?
Who is eligible?
You may be suitable for the chickenpox vaccine if you are:
A healthy, non-immune individual
A child from 12 months of age (Varilrix or Varivax)
A health worker in contact with immunocompromised patients
A close contact of someone who is immunocompromised
A susceptible individual recently exposed to chickenpox (within 3 days)
Who cannot have the vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine may not be suitable if you:
Have already had chickenpox, or currently have an active infection
Are younger than 12 months
Are pregnant, or planning pregnancy within 1 month of vaccination
Have hypersensitivity to varicella vaccine or its ingredients (including gelatin, neomycin, or sorbitol)
Have a severe latex allergy
Have untreated tuberculosis
Are immunosuppressed (e.g. due to chemotherapy, blood cancers, HIV, lymphomas, or immunodeficiency conditions)
Are receiving high-dose steroids or certain medications
Have a severe febrile illness at the time of vaccination
Cautions
Pregnancy should be avoided for at least 1 month after vaccination
Avoid salicylates (aspirin) for 6 weeks after vaccination
Avoid vaccination for at least 24 hours after aciclovir therapy
Elderly patients (≥65 years) may respond less effectively
If you’ve had another live vaccine in the past 4 weeks, or are due one soon, timings may need to be adjusted
People who have received immunoglobulins or a blood transfusion should wait 3–5 months before vaccination
Patients with skin conditions (eczema, septic skin conditions) may need extra care with injection sites
Cautions
Pregnancy should be avoided for at least 1 month after vaccination
Avoid salicylates (aspirin) for 6 weeks after vaccination
Avoid vaccination for at least 24 hours after aciclovir therapy
Elderly patients (≥65 years) may respond less effectively
If you’ve had another live vaccine in the past 4 weeks, or are due one soon, timings may need to be adjusted
People who have received immunoglobulins or a blood transfusion should wait 3–5 months before vaccination
Patients with skin conditions (eczema, septic skin conditions) may need extra care with injection sites
Vaccines used: Varivax® or Varilrix®
Type: Prescription-only medicine (POM) Form: Powder and solvent for suspension (injection, 0.5ml) • Storage: Refrigerated at 2–8°C
Children (12 months – 12 years): 2 doses, spaced 1–6 weeks apart depending on brand
Age 13 and over: 2 doses, spaced 4–8 weeks apart
Given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (in the upper arm or thigh)
Booster: Not currently required.
Like all vaccines, side effects are usually mild and temporary. Common side effects: Redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site, Fever, Rash (similar to chickenpox, mild) or Tiredness or irritability
Uncommon side effects: Headache, Nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting, Swollen glands or Mild allergic reactions
Rare but serious side effects: Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), Severe rash or skin reaction
If you have any concerns after vaccination, seek medical advice immediately.
Vaccines used: Varivax® or Varilrix®
Type: Prescription-only medicine (POM) Form: Powder and solvent for suspension (injection, 0.5ml) • Storage: Refrigerated at 2–8°C
Children (12 months – 12 years): 2 doses, spaced 1–6 weeks apart depending on brand
Age 13 and over: 2 doses, spaced 4–8 weeks apart
Given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (in the upper arm or thigh)
Booster: Not currently required.
Like all vaccines, side effects are usually mild and temporary. Common side effects: Redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site, Fever, Rash (similar to chickenpox, mild) or Tiredness or irritability
Uncommon side effects: Headache, Nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting, Swollen glands or Mild allergic reactions
Rare but serious side effects: Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), Severe rash or skin reaction
If you have any concerns after vaccination, seek medical advice immediately.
The chickenpox vaccine is available at Balance Pharmacy for both adults and children.
Book online or contact us to arrange your vaccination today.
Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.
