Travel vaccine
Chickenpox (Varicella)
A two-dose vaccine for those who have never had chickenpox and want protection.
About the disease
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and brings an itchy, blistering rash along with fever and tiredness. It is usually mild in children, but it tends to be more severe in adults and can lead to complications. It is also a concern for pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system, so non-immune adults often choose to protect themselves.
Who might want it
The vaccine suits people who have never had chickenpox and want to avoid catching it, including those living or working closely with vulnerable individuals. Travellers sometimes consider it too, particularly if they will be in close contact with others during a long trip and have no history of the illness.
The vaccine and getting started
A course of two doses, spaced four to eight weeks apart, gives strong and lasting protection. If you are unsure whether you have had chickenpox before, we can talk it through. Book a consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, and our team will check your history and arrange your doses at a convenient time.
How it spreads
Highly contagious; spread through airborne droplets and direct contact with the fluid from blisters.
Who should be vaccinated
Adults and older children who have never had chickenpox, those in close contact with vulnerable people, and travellers wanting cover before a trip.
Vaccination schedule
2 doses given 4-8 weeks apart
Boosters
No routine booster is required after the two-dose course.
Possible side effects
Soreness at the injection site, a mild fever and occasionally a few small spots in the days afterwards.
Regions where there is a risk
Worldwide.
Chickenpox (Varicella) — frequently asked questions
Who should have the chickenpox vaccine in Crewe?
The chickenpox vaccine is for adults and older children who have never had chickenpox and want protection. It is especially worth considering if you live or work closely with vulnerable people, such as newborns, pregnant women or anyone with a weakened immune system. Travellers without a history of the illness sometimes choose it too. We can check your past history during a consultation.
How many doses of the chickenpox vaccine do I need and what is the schedule?
You need two doses of the chickenpox vaccine, given four to eight weeks apart. Both doses are important for strong, lasting protection, so the course is not considered complete after just one. If you are not sure whether you have already had chickenpox as a child, our team can talk it through before arranging your appointments at the pharmacy.
How long does protection from the chickenpox vaccine last?
Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine give strong and long-lasting protection, and no routine booster is required afterwards. Most people who complete the full course stay protected for many years. While no vaccine is guaranteed to prevent every infection, vaccinated people who do catch chickenpox usually experience a much milder illness with fewer spots.
How soon before travel should I have the chickenpox vaccine?
Ideally start the chickenpox course several weeks before you travel, as the two doses are spaced four to eight weeks apart and protection builds over time. Leaving enough time means you can complete both doses before your trip. If your departure is soon, contact us and we can advise on the best plan for your dates. Call 01270 215837 or visit the pharmacy.
What are the side effects of the chickenpox vaccine?
Most side effects of the chickenpox vaccine are mild and short lived. The commonest are soreness or redness where the injection was given, a mild fever, and occasionally a few small chickenpox-like spots appearing in the days afterwards. These usually settle on their own. Serious reactions are rare, and our pharmacist will go through your health history before vaccinating.
Is the chickenpox vaccine free on the NHS or private at Crewe Pharmacy?
At Crewe Pharmacy the chickenpox vaccine is a private service rather than a routine NHS vaccination for most adults. This means you can arrange it directly with us without a referral. Having it privately lets you choose a time that suits you and get protected promptly. To book, call 01270 215837 or call into the pharmacy on Nantwich Road.
How much does the chickenpox vaccine cost in Crewe?
The chickenpox vaccine costs £65 per dose at Crewe Pharmacy. As the full course is two doses, you should budget for both to gain complete protection. The price includes a consultation with our pharmacist, who will check whether you have had chickenpox before and confirm the vaccine is suitable for you. Call 01270 215837 to arrange an appointment.
Why might I need the chickenpox vaccine before a long trip abroad?
Chickenpox occurs worldwide, so if you have never had it you can catch it anywhere, including on long trips where you are in close contact with other people. Being unwell with chickenpox far from home can be inconvenient and, in adults, more severe. If you have no history of the illness, vaccination before travel offers reassurance and protection. Ask our team for advice.