Chickenpox Vaccination
Private two-dose chickenpox vaccination for children and adults who have not had the disease or been previously vaccinated.
Overview
Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). While often considered a mild childhood illness, it can cause serious complications in adults, pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals — including pneumonia, encephalitis, and bacterial skin infections.
The chickenpox vaccine is not routinely offered on the NHS in England (outside of specific at-risk groups), but is available privately from Gloucester Travel Clinic. It is a highly effective live attenuated vaccine, providing strong protection against chickenpox and reducing the risk of later developing shingles.
Vaccination is particularly recommended for adults and adolescents who have never had chickenpox, healthcare workers, and those who may come into contact with vulnerable individuals.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
- Adults and adolescents with no history of chickenpox and no previous vaccination
- Healthcare and social care workers who are seronegative (no immunity)
- Those who are in close contact with immunocompromised individuals (e.g. family members of cancer patients)
- Women of childbearing age planning a pregnancy who have no history of chickenpox
- Children aged 1 year and over whose parents wish to provide private vaccination
- Travellers with no immunity visiting countries where chickenpox is endemic
Note: The vaccine must not be given during pregnancy. Women should avoid becoming pregnant for one month after vaccination.
Vaccine Details & Pricing
| Vaccine | Varivax® or Varilrix® (live attenuated) |
| Doses required | 2 doses, 4–8 weeks apart (adults & children ≥13 yrs) |
| Children aged 1–12 | 2 doses, at least 3 months apart |
| Price | £75 per dose · £150 for the full 2-dose course |
| Protection | ~98% effective after 2 doses; long-lasting immunity |
| Minimum age | 12 months |
A £20 consultation fee applies to first-visit patients.
Side Effects & Contraindications
The chickenpox vaccine is generally very well tolerated. Common side effects include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever or rash (a small proportion of vaccinees develop a mild chickenpox-like rash)
- Headache or fatigue
The vaccine is NOT suitable for:
- Pregnant women or those planning to conceive within 1 month of vaccination
- Immunocompromised individuals (e.g. those on high-dose steroids, chemotherapy, or with HIV)
- Children under 12 months
- People with a severe allergy to neomycin or gelatin (vaccine components)