Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Chicken Pox Vaccine

Chicken Pox Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Young children under the age of 10 are most likely to catch the disease, however it can present in adults and symptoms are then generally more serious

Vaccination Pricing

£75.00 Per dose (2 doses per course)

Signs & Symptoms

  • High temperature above 38C

  • Reduced appetite

  • Aches and pains

  • Itchy red spots

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule
1-12 2 At least four weeks between doses
2-65 2 At least four to eight weeks between doses

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.

Chicken pox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It commonly affects children but can also occur in adults who have not previously been infected or vaccinated. The illness is characterised by an itchy, blister-like rash that typically covers the body, along with fever and general discomfort. While chicken pox is usually mild in children, it can lead to serious complications in adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, including pneumonia, skin infections, and in rare cases, encephalitis. Once someone has had chicken pox, they typically gain lifelong immunity, although the virus remains dormant and can later reactivate as shingles.

Chicken pox spreads very easily through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, as well as through direct contact with the fluid from the rash’s blisters. A person with chicken pox is contagious from one to two days before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over. Prevention is primarily achieved through vaccination, which significantly reduces the risk of infection and limits the severity if contracted. Good hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and isolating those who are contagious also help to prevent the spread. For those exposed to the virus without prior immunity, post-exposure vaccination may reduce the severity or prevent illness altogether if given within three to five days.

The symptoms of chicken pox begin with general flu-like signs such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache. This is followed by the appearance of the characteristic red, itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters before crusting over. The rash usually starts on the face, chest, or back and then spreads across the body, including inside the mouth, eyelids, or genital area. New spots may continue to appear for several days, often in successive “waves,” leading to a mix of spots, blisters, and scabs. Itching can be intense and uncomfortable, and scratching may lead to scarring or secondary skin infections. Most people recover within a week to ten days.

The chicken pox vaccine, known as the varicella vaccine, provides long-term protection in most individuals. Typically administered in two doses, the vaccine is about 90% effective at preventing the illness entirely and even more effective at preventing severe disease. Immunity is expected to last for many years, and current evidence suggests that protection remains robust for at least 10 to 20 years after vaccination, often longer. In some cases, a booster dose may be recommended if immunity wanes, particularly in high-risk groups or healthcare workers. Even if vaccinated individuals do contract chicken pox, the symptoms are usually much milder and shorter in duration.

The chicken pox vaccine is recommended or required in several countries, especially when travelling with children or individuals who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised. It is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Japan. While the UK does not currently include the varicella vaccine in its routine childhood programme, it may be advised for those travelling to regions where chicken pox is more tightly controlled or where outbreaks are more dangerous due to healthcare system limitations. In countries where proof of vaccination is necessary for school or childcare entry, such as the United States, it’s often required regardless of travel duration. Travellers should consult a healthcare professional to check vaccination needs before departure, particularly if staying for an extended period or working in healthcare or childcare settings.

The chicken pox vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated, with most side effects being mild and short-lived. Common side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as a mild fever. Some individuals, especially children, may develop a mild rash with a few small spots, typically appearing a week or two after vaccination. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as an allergic reaction or seizure related to fever may occur, but these are extremely uncommon. As with any vaccine, the benefits of preventing a potentially serious illness like chicken pox far outweigh the risks of side effects, especially for individuals at higher risk of complications from the virus.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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The Malvern Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

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Same Day Appointments

We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at Malvern Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

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