Chickenpox Vaccine

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that is most commonly seen in children, but it can affect people of any age. The virus typically causes an itchy, spotty rash that usually begins on the face, chest, or back before spreading to the rest of the body. While chickenpox generally resolves on its own within a couple of weeks, it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Itchy red spots
• Fever and high temperature
• Loss of appetite
• General feelings of being unwell and body aches

If you have chickenpox you should stay off work or school, you should not itch the spots and do not take ibuprofen unless it advised to do so as it can cause serious skin infections. You can catch chickenpox by being in close contact with someone who has the virus, particularly by being in the same room or touching items that have been contaminated with fluid from the blisters.

Who is at Greater Risk?

Chickenpox can be particularly dangerous for certain individuals, including:

• Babies
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with a weakened immune system

It is essential to protect these vulnerable groups by preventing the spread of the virus through vaccination.

If you haven’t had chickenpox before you may need the vaccine for your profession for example:

• Doctors and nurses
• Ambulance staff
• GP surgery and hospital staff
• Catering staff

It may also be effective for certain people to have the vaccine within 3 days of being exposed to chickenpox to help reduce the severity and the spread of the disease.

Who Should Not Have the Chickenpox Vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus. As a result, it may not be suitable for certain people, including:

• Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or those with certain autoimmune conditions
• Babies under 9 months old
• Pregnant women: The vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy
• Individuals who have received the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine in the past 4 weeks or plan to receive it in the next 4 weeks
• People who have had serious allergic reactions to any components of the vaccine

If you’re unsure whether the vaccine is right for you, speak with one of our experienced pharmacists.

Our Chickenpox Vaccination Service

At Kamsons Pharmacy, we offer the chickenpox vaccine at a cost of £76 per dose. The vaccine requires two doses, with the second dose being administered one month after the first. This two-dose course is necessary to provide optimal protection.

To get started, simply complete the online consultation form at the bottom of this page. After reviewing your information, our prescriber will issue a prescription to your chosen Kamsons branch. We recommend calling the pharmacy two days after submitting your form to arrange an appointment for your first dose.

In addition to the chickenpox vaccine, you may also be interested in our other vaccination services, including:

You may also be interested in our HPV , shingles  or travel vaccination services.

FAQs

How do I make an appointment?

Once you’ve completed the online consultation form contact your chosen branch to book your vaccination.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

Please bring some ID with you.

Does the Chickenpox Vaccine Have Any Side Effects?

Like all vaccines, the chickenpox vaccine may cause some mild side effects, such as:

• A rash at the injection site
• Pain or swelling at the injection site
• A mild fever or high temperature

These side effects are typically short-lived and go away on their own. If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, please contact your Kamsons pharmacist for advice.

How Effective is the Chickenpox Vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine is highly effective in preventing the illness. After receiving two doses, the vaccine provides around 98% protection in children and about 75% protection in adults. Unlike many other vaccines, no booster doses are needed to maintain long-term protection.

Where is the chickenpox vaccine available?

This vaccine is available at selected Kamsons Pharmacy branches.

Kamsons Pharmacy is owned by Waremoss ltd, Westminster House, Bolton Close, Uckfield, TN22 1PH. Our Pharmacies are registered with the GPhC. Pharmacist, prescriber and pharmacy premises’ current registration details can be seen on https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/. Superintendent pharmacist – Timothy Golding 2027075. Prescriptions for our prescribing service are issued by one of our independent pharmacist prescribers: for full list click here. The full address and contact details of our pharmacies can be found under the branches section of our website, further information about the service can be obtained by emailing webadmin@kamsons365.co.uk. If you are unhappy with the service or would like to provide us with your feedback you can write to us at the address above or email webadmin@kamsons365.co.uk. We are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council of 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5LQ.