Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccination
The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine protects against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes an itchy, blistering rash. It is recommended for non-immune adults, healthcare workers and travellers who have never had chickenpox.
£65 per dose — 2 dose course
Who it is for
Non-immune adults and adolescents who have never had chickenpox, including healthcare workers and travellers
Number of doses
Two doses
When to have it
Start at least 6 weeks before travel, with doses usually 4 to 8 weeks apart
How long protection lasts
Long-lasting; routine boosters are not currently advised for most people
How it is given
Single injection into the upper arm for each dose
Price
£65 per dose
Quick answer
The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine protects against the varicella-zoster virus and is recommended for non-immune adults, healthcare workers and travellers who have never had chickenpox. It is given as two doses a few weeks apart. The varicella vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccination
Chickenpox is a highly infectious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It usually causes a fever and an itchy, spotty rash, and while it is generally mild in children it can be far more serious in adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
The varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that helps your immune system recognise and fight the virus before you become unwell. It is given as a two-dose course, with the doses spaced several weeks apart.
Vaccination is particularly worthwhile for adults who have never had chickenpox, as the infection tends to be more severe later in life and can lead to complications such as pneumonia. At Crewe Travel Clinic we can confirm your suitability and arrange both doses.
Timing
First dose at least 6 weeks before travel
The two doses are usually given 4 to 8 weeks apart, so it is best to start the course in good time before any departure.
Effectiveness
Highly effective
After both doses the varicella vaccine provides strong protection against chickenpox, and any breakthrough infection is usually much milder.
Duration
Long-term
Two doses are thought to give long-lasting protection, and routine boosters are not currently advised for most people.
Signs & symptoms
- An itchy rash of small red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters
- Fever and a generally unwell feeling
- Headache and aching muscles
- Loss of appetite
- Blisters that crust over and form scabs before healing
- In adults, a higher risk of complications such as pneumonia
Who should consider this vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine is recommended for non-immune adults and adolescents who have never had the infection, particularly healthcare workers, those in close contact with vulnerable people, and travellers heading to areas where chickenpox is common. It may also be advised before planned immunosuppressive treatment. A simple history or blood test can help establish whether you are already immune.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is recommended for non-immune adults and adolescents who have never had the infection, as chickenpox tends to be more severe in later life. It is particularly worthwhile for people whose work or circumstances increase their risk of exposure, or who could pass the virus to someone vulnerable. A history check or a simple blood test can confirm whether you are already immune before vaccination is arranged.
- Non-immune adults and adolescents with no history of chickenpox
- Healthcare and laboratory workers who are not already immune
- People in close contact with those who are immunosuppressed or pregnant
- Travellers heading to areas where adult chickenpox is more common
- Those due to start immunosuppressive treatment, when given in good time beforehand
The vaccination course
The varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine given as a two-dose course, with each dose injected into the upper arm. The two doses are usually spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, so it is best to begin the course in good time, ideally at least 6 weeks before any planned travel, so that both doses can be completed. At Crewe Travel Clinic we can confirm your suitability and arrange both appointments.
- Two doses are needed for full protection
- Doses are usually given 4 to 8 weeks apart
- Each dose is a single injection into the upper arm
- Best started at least 6 weeks before travel
- Suitability is checked before the course begins
How long does protection last
After both doses the varicella vaccine provides strong, long-lasting protection against chickenpox. Where breakthrough infection does occur it is usually much milder than the natural illness. Routine booster doses are not currently advised for most people once the two-dose course is complete.
- Two doses give strong, long-lasting protection
- Any breakthrough infection is usually mild
- Routine boosters are not currently recommended for most people
- Completing both doses is important for full benefit
Possible side effects
Most people experience only mild and short-lived side effects. As this is a live vaccine, a small number of people develop a few spots in the days or weeks after vaccination. Serious reactions are rare. Because it is a live vaccine, it is not suitable during pregnancy or for people with significantly weakened immune systems, and our team will discuss this with you.
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- A mild fever or feeling generally unwell
- Occasionally a small number of chickenpox-like spots
- Headache or tiredness for a day or two
- Serious allergic reactions are very rare