The varicella virus is responsible for chickenpox, which is widespread around the world. It manifests on the entire body, including the face, as itchy, blister-like rashes. To avoid contracting the infectious illness, it is recommended that all travellers who are susceptible acquire the chickenpox vaccination. In Birmingham, we offer professional travel vaccination services to make your trip memorable.
At what age in Birmingham is the chickenpox vaccine given?
CDC recommends two doses of the chickenpox vaccine for people who have never had chickenpox or been immunised against it.
Routine childhood vaccination against chickenpox entails the following steps:
- The first dose should be administered between 12 to 15 months of age.
- The subsequent administration should be done between 4 to 6 years of age.
Age-appropriate vaccination for healthy individuals (non-contraindicated to the vaccine):
- Preschool children (between the ages of 12 months and 3 years) require one dose
- School-going children (older than 4 years), teens, and adults need two doses
If you are unvaccinated and travelling abroad, you should receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine. The average interval should be at least 28 days.
If you're immunocompromised and don't have enough immunity to fight off chickenpox, you should consult your physician or a travel health specialist before you go abroad.
Is the chickenpox vaccination offered in the UK?
Chickenpox is a contagious viral infection with no known cure. However, the infection can be mild, and it typically disappears completely within a week or two without treatment.
In order to avoid or minimise the severity of varicella disease, it is suggested that the unvaccinated population aged less than 12 months who do not have any other indications of immunity receive the chickenpox vaccination.
To avoid catching the disease, get vaccinated as soon as possible if you are travelling to a destination where it is common.
After chickenpox vaccination within three days of exposure, the protective efficacy of the vaccine in children was observed to be up to 90%.
A booster dose is recommended for those who have only had one dose of the vaccine so that they can travel abroad completely protected.
How often do I need a chickenpox vaccine in Birmingham?
Two doses of the chickenpox vaccination are administered into the upper arm over 4 to 8 weeks.
Chickenpox vaccines have been demonstrated to protect 9 out of 10 children who receive a single dose.
To maximise the immune reaction, it is recommended that you have two doses. After childhood, the vaccine becomes less effective.
Most teenagers and adults vaccinated against chickenpox are anticipated to become immune to the illness.
How to get vaccinated if you’re exposed to chickenpox during your trip:
You should get the chickenpox vaccination if you've been near someone who has chickenpox or shingles and you don't have immunity.
You should get the shot three to five days after being exposed. You must take two doses at least 28 days apart.
If it has been more than five days since your exposure, two doses of vaccination are still recommended to guard against infection for future exposures.
If you've had one dose of the chickenpox vaccine and are still at risk, you should receive a second dose based on evidence of your immunity after consulting with a travel healthcare expert.
Should I get a chickenpox vaccine for travel?
Varicella immunisation should be given to everyone, including those who travel or live abroad, when they have had one or zero chickenpox vaccine before.
A certificate of chickenpox vaccination is not required to cross international borders. Still, if you don't have evidence of immunity, you should be considered at risk for varicella during overseas travel.
Book your appointment at West Midlands Travel Clinic to get vaccinated.
