What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox, caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus, is a virus spread through physical contact which affects the skin.
Chickenpox causes itchy blisters on the skin which burst or dry out, and scab over. Before the blisters appear, you may have mild flu-like symptoms.
The virus usually affects children, causing a mild illness, though it can affect adults as well. Some people are at higher risk of serious illness from chickenpox, including pregnant people, newborns, and people who are immunocompromised.
What is the chickenpox vaccine?
Vaccines teach your body how to react to the virus so that if you come into contact with it, you can fight off an infection. No vaccine is 100% effective, so there is always a chance that you’ll contract the virus even if you’ve been vaccinated.
The chickenpox vaccine we offer is called Varilrix - you can see the manufacturer’s information on Varilrix here.
The Chickenpox Vaccine - FAQs
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Varilrix is given as 2 doses, four to eight weeks apart.
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The Varilrix vaccine is available for those who:
Are aged 9 months and over
Have no allergies to the ingredients or excipients of the vaccine
Are currently fit and well
Are not immunocompromised
Do not have a bleeding disorder
Are not breastfeeding
Are not pregnant
Have not received an MMR vaccine in the last four weeks
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It is generally only advised that you need to get the chickenpox vaccine if you are in contact with someone who is immunocompromised. These are also the criteria under which the NHS offer chickenpox vaccines.
However, if you would like to be vaccinated and are eligible, you are still welcome to book an appointment.
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Yes. Vaccines are never 100% effective for everyone, but having a chickenpox vaccine does reduce the chance of you getting chickenpox.
The more people are vaccinated, the lower the risk for both people who are vaccinated but for whom the vaccine is not effective; and for people who are not vaccinated.
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Yes. From the patient information leaflet on Varilrix:
‘Once vaccinated, you or your child should attempt to avoid for up to 6 weeks after vaccination, whenever possible, close association with the following individuals:
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.
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Many people are eligible for the chickenpox vaccine through the NHS. They will usually offer the vaccine for people who are in close contact with immunocompromised people.
If you want the vaccine on the NHS, we unfortunately are unable to assist with this as we are a fully private pharmacy, so you will have to speak to your GP.
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For each visit you need, you’ll have:
A full consultation with the pharmacist, who will assess the suitability of the vaccine for you and be able to answer any questions you may have
The vaccine prescribed by the pharmacist
A patient-information leaflet from the manufacturers of the vaccine
The vaccine administered by the pharmacist
A comprehensive follow-up document which details the specifics of the vaccine(s) for your information, and for you to forward to your GP
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The chickenpox vaccination service costs £62 per visit.