Chickenpox is often thought of as a routine childhood illness, but that does not mean it is always harmless. While most children recover without serious problems, chickenpox can cause complications and may be more severe in adults and people who are particularly vulnerable to infection.
Chickenpox vaccination is used to help protect against chickenpox and reduce the risk of serious disease. If you are considering chickenpox vaccination in Biddenham for yourself or your child, you may have questions about how the vaccine works, who can receive it and whether it is now available through the NHS.
Here are some of the most important things to know before arranging a chickenpox vaccine.
What Is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It spreads easily between people and is particularly common among children.
The infection typically causes an itchy, spotty rash that can appear anywhere on the body. Other symptoms can include a high temperature, aches and pains, loss of appetite and generally feeling unwell.
Chickenpox is usually relatively mild in otherwise healthy children, but complications can occur. Certain groups, including babies, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, can be at greater risk of serious illness.
How Does the Chickenpox Vaccine Work?
The chickenpox vaccine, also known as the varicella vaccine, helps the immune system develop protection against the virus that causes chickenpox.
It is a live vaccine containing a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus. This stimulates an immune response without causing chickenpox itself.
The vaccine is administered as an injection into the arm or thigh. Most people who require a standalone chickenpox vaccination course need two doses, although the appropriate schedule can depend on age and individual circumstances.
Is the Chickenpox Vaccine Now Available on the NHS?
Yes, chickenpox vaccination became part of the routine NHS childhood vaccination programme in England in January 2026.
Eligible children are now offered the combined MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). Under the routine schedule, children are offered two MMRV doses at 12 months and 18 months.
There are also arrangements for some older children to receive catch-up vaccination, with eligibility depending on factors including their age, vaccination history and whether they have previously had chickenpox.
The change means that parents should check their child’s vaccination record and NHS eligibility before arranging additional vaccination privately. You can find current information in the NHS chickenpox vaccine guidance.
Why Might Someone Consider Private Chickenpox Vaccination?
The introduction of routine NHS vaccination does not necessarily mean that everyone who wants protection against chickenpox will be eligible for vaccination through the routine childhood programme.
Private chickenpox vaccination may therefore be an option for some children or adults who have not previously had chickenpox and have not already completed an appropriate vaccination course.
Before arranging vaccination, it is important to consider previous chickenpox infection and vaccination history. If you are unsure whether you have had chickenpox in the past, a healthcare professional can advise whether further assessment may be appropriate.
Can Adults Have a Chickenpox Vaccine?
Chickenpox is much more common during childhood, but adults who have never had the infection can still catch it.
In fact, chickenpox can be more severe in adults than it typically is in children. Adults who do not have immunity may therefore have reasons to consider vaccination depending on their circumstances.
The NHS also recommends chickenpox vaccination for certain people who are in regular or close contact with someone at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from chickenpox, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
Healthcare workers who are not immune to chickenpox may also be advised to receive vaccination if their work brings them into close contact with patients.
How Many Chickenpox Vaccine Doses Do You Need?
For standalone chickenpox vaccination, the NHS advises that two doses are needed. They are usually given four to eight weeks apart, although babies between 9 and 12 months require a different interval.
Timing can also be important if you have recently received another live vaccine. For example, the MMR and chickenpox vaccines can be administered on the same day. If they are not given together, the NHS advises leaving four weeks between them.
Make sure you provide an accurate vaccination history when arranging an appointment so that a healthcare professional can advise on an appropriate schedule.
Who Should Not Have the Chickenpox Vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine is not suitable for everyone. Because it is a live vaccine, particular care is required for people with certain health conditions or circumstances.
For example, varicella vaccination should not be given during pregnancy or to people who are severely immunosuppressed. It should also not be given to someone who has experienced a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or certain components of the vaccine.
Pregnancy should be avoided for one month after the final dose of a varicella vaccine.
This is why an appropriate assessment before vaccination is important. You can read more detailed information in the UKHSA Green Book guidance on varicella.
What Side Effects Can the Chickenpox Vaccine Cause?
Like all vaccines, the chickenpox vaccine can cause side effects. Most are mild and improve without treatment.
Common reactions can include pain, redness or swelling around the injection site. Some people may also develop a high temperature or a mild chickenpox-like rash after vaccination.
Serious reactions are uncommon. Before vaccination, your healthcare professional can explain potential side effects and advise what to do if you experience a reaction that concerns you.
Can You Get Chickenpox After Being Vaccinated?
No vaccine provides complete protection in every person. It is therefore possible to develop chickenpox despite being vaccinated.
However, vaccination reduces the risk of developing chickenpox and helps protect against serious disease. Vaccination can therefore still provide protection even though it cannot guarantee that someone will never become infected.
Completing the recommended vaccination course is important for achieving the intended protection.
What If You’ve Already Had Chickenpox?
Most people develop immunity after having chickenpox, which means vaccination may not be necessary if you have previously had the infection.
However, not everybody knows whether they had chickenpox as a child. If you are unsure, discuss your history with a healthcare professional. In some circumstances, a blood test may be used to check whether you already have immunity.
This can help avoid making assumptions about your protection and ensure that any vaccination is appropriate for your circumstances.
Find Out More About Chickenpox Vaccination in Biddenham
Chickenpox is usually mild, but vaccination provides an effective way to reduce the risk of infection and serious illness. With the NHS childhood programme changing in 2026, it is particularly important to understand your or your child’s vaccination history and whether NHS vaccination is already available.
For people who are considering chickenpox vaccination in Biddenham, The Village Pharmacy provides convenient local vaccination support from The Meiklejohn Centre.
Learn more about our services, or contact The Village Pharmacy to discuss the service and find out about the next steps.