Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Chicken Pox Vaccine

Get a Chicken
Pox Vaccination

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

Itchy red spots over some or all of the body developing into fluid filled blisters, then scabbing over.

Symptoms include:

  • High temperature above 38C

  • Reduced appetite

  • Aches and pains

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

177 Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen, B63 3UD

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

29 High St, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6HF

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Castle Street, Bilston, WV14 9DD

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 most commonly affects children but can occur at any age, particularly in individuals who have not previously had the infection or been vaccinated. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by direct contact with the fluid from the characteristic chicken pox blisters. Once infected, the virus typically incubates for 10 to 21 days before symptoms appear. Chicken pox is generally mild in children but can be more severe in adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. After recovery, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reactivate later in life as shingles.

The most recognisable symptom of chicken pox is the development of a red, itchy skin rash that progresses to fluid-filled blisters before crusting over. This rash often begins on the face, chest, or back and then spreads to other parts of the body, including inside the mouth and on the scalp. Other early symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and general malaise. Children typically recover within a week to 10 days, but adults may experience more intense symptoms and a longer duration of illness. Scratching the blisters can lead to scarring or secondary bacterial infections, so it’s important to manage itching effectively.

Chickenpox spreads easily from person to person through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by direct contact with the fluid from the blisters or with items contaminated by the virus, such as clothing or bedding. A person is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and remains infectious until all the blisters have crusted over, usually about 5 to 7 days after onset. The most effective way to prevent chickenpox is through vaccination, which is widely available in many countries. Other preventive measures include avoiding close contact with infected individuals and maintaining good hygiene practices, especially during outbreaks.

The chicken pox vaccine (varicella vaccine) provides long-lasting protection in the majority of people. After two doses, about 98% of children are fully protected, and immunity is thought to last for at least 10 to 20 years, often much longer. While breakthrough infections can occur, they are usually mild and involve fewer blisters and lower risk of complications. In some cases, a booster may be recommended later in life, particularly if antibody levels decline or if someone is at increased risk. Adults who have not had chicken pox or the vaccine are advised to receive two doses, at least four weeks apart, for optimal protection.

While the chicken pox vaccine is not part of the routine immunisation schedule in the UK (unless clinically indicated), it is required or recommended in several countries. These include the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many EU nations, where it is often a standard part of childhood vaccination programmes. Some schools, universities, or childcare facilities abroad may also require proof of immunity. If you are travelling to or planning an extended stay in a country with routine varicella vaccination, or if you’re at higher risk of complications, it’s advisable to get vaccinated before you go. A pre-travel consultation with a healthcare provider is the best way to determine your needs.

The chicken pox vaccine is generally very safe and well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and temporary. Common reactions include soreness or redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and a mild rash resembling chickenpox a few days after the injection. These symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days. Rare side effects include swollen glands, allergic reactions, or more serious responses such as febrile seizures, though these are extremely uncommon. As with any vaccine, the benefits of protection against a potentially serious infection far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of individuals. The vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women or people with certain immune conditions, so consultation with a medical professional is recommended before receiving it.

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 West Midlands Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

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