Chickenpox Vaccination Services in Hitchin
Do I need a Chickenpox Vaccination?
The chickenpox vaccine (varicella vaccine) protects against infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox.
From January 2026, chickenpox vaccination became part of the routine UK childhood immunisation programme through the combined MMRV vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella). Children eligible under the new programme will be offered protection against chickenpox as part of their routine NHS vaccinations.
However, children born before the introduction of the routine programme may not have been offered vaccination and may still be eligible for private vaccination if they have not previously had chickenpox.
For adults, vaccination may be appropriate if you have never had chickenpox or previously received the vaccine, particularly if you are in close contact with young children, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
The vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. However, women who are not immune to chickenpox may wish to consider vaccination before pregnancy or after delivery following discussion with a healthcare professional.
Course
Course
To achieve the best possible immunity, 2 doses are required.
Interval
Allow 4-6 weeks between doses
How is it given
Injection in the upper arm.
How long does it last
The vaccine offers lifetime protection after 2 doses.
How effective is the Chickenpox vaccine?
The Chickenpox vaccine is highly effective, providing about 90% protection against Chickenpox.
Side effects
Common side effects are fever, tiredness and can cause a mild rash.
Children
Suitable from 1 years of age.
Certificate requirements
No certification required.
Key Considerations
Adults: If you’re an adult who has never had Chickenpox and have not been vaccinated, you should get the vaccine. This is particularly important if you’re in close contact with young children, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
Children: In the UK, the Chickenpox vaccine is not routinely given as part of standard childhood vaccinations, unless they are considered high risk.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women who have never had Chickenpox should avoid the vaccine during pregnancy but can receive it after delivery if needed.
Why is it Important?
Chickenpox can be a serious illness, especially for adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. The vaccine reduces the risk of getting Chickenpox and can also reduce the severity of the disease if you do get infected.
Consult a healthcare professional, for example one of our nurses during the consultation, if the Chickenpox vaccine is right for you, especially if you are at higher risk of exposure or complications.
How long does the Chickenpox vaccine last?
Studies indicate that the Chickenpox vaccine provides long-term immunity against the virus. Most vaccinated individuals remain protected for many years, and immunity may last a lifetime for some.
Ongoing research suggests that the vaccine’s effectiveness remains high for at least 10 to 20 years and likely much longer. While breakthrough cases of Chickenpox can occur, they are typically much milder than in unvaccinated individuals.
Is Chickenpox the same as Shingles?
No, Chickenpox and Shingles are caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus, but they are different conditions. Chickenpox is the primary infection, typically occurring in childhood, and causes an itchy rash with red spots and blisters. Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in the body after a Chickenpox infection, is reactivated later in life, often causing a painful rash, usually on one side of the body or face.
What are symptoms of Chickenpox?
The classic symptom is a rash, which is very itchy and can be widespread affecting the face, chest, arms and legs. Sometimes, the blisters can occur inside the mouth. There is often fever and cold symptoms also. The symptoms tend to improve after 1 week.
The illness can vary from mild symptoms with a few spots to itchy rash covering the whole body, which can be very distressing, affecting sleep, school and work and causing scarring to the skin.
Does the Chickenpox vaccine cause Chickenpox?
No, the Chickenpox vaccine does not cause Chickenpox. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, which stimulates the immune system to create protection against the disease without causing the full illness. While it is possible to experience mild symptoms, such as a rash, after vaccination, these are typically much less severe than the symptoms of natural Chickenpox.
Are you contagious after the Chickenpox vaccine?
No, you are not contagious after receiving the Chickenpox vaccine. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, but it does not cause the illness in a way that can be spread to others. However, in very rare cases, some people who have received the Chickenpox vaccine may develop a mild rash, but this is not contagious. It is important to note that the risk of developing a mild rash is extremely low.
Can people who have received the chickenpox vaccine still develop shingles later in life?
Yes. The chickenpox vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, which means shingles can still occur later in life. However, studies suggest that people who have been vaccinated are less likely to develop shingles than those who have had natural chickenpox infection, and any shingles that does occur is often milder
Is the Chickenpox vaccine free on the NHS?
In the UK, the Chickenpox vaccine is not routinely offered to all children through the NHS. It is available for certain groups, such as children with weakened immune systems or those at high risk of complications from Chickenpox. However, the vaccine is generally not part of the standard childhood immunisation schedule.
Common and rare side effects of the Chickenpox vaccine
Common side effects of the Chickenpox vaccine are generally mild and may include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, and a mild rash. These side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days.
Rare side effects can include more severe reactions such as seizures (often associated with fever), pneumonia, and severe allergic reactions. Although these serious side effects are extremely rare, individuals should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that concern them following vaccination.
The benefits of vaccination, which include protection against a potentially serious disease, far outweigh the small risk of rare side effects.
