Chickenpox (varicella) vaccination in the UK: who is offered it and how it works

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella zoster virus, is a common infection that spreads easily and mostly affects children. The NHS says it usually gets better on its own after 1 to 2 weeks, but it can be serious in some people, including pregnant women, babies and people with a weakened immune system. The vaccine helps prevent chickenpox, and if someone does catch it after vaccination, the NHS says symptoms are usually milder.

The vaccine contains a weakened version of the virus. This is why it is called a live vaccine and why it is not suitable for everyone. In the UK, two products are used, Varilrix and Varivax, and the NHS directs people to the patient leaflets on the electronic Medicines Compendium for ingredients.

The NHS says children are now offered the MMRV vaccine, which replaces the MMR vaccine on the routine schedule and adds protection against chickenpox. The number and timing of doses depends on date of birth. The NHS gives these schedules:

Outside the routine schedule, the NHS recommends the chickenpox vaccine for people who are healthy and who are in regular or close contact with someone at risk of getting seriously ill if they catch chickenpox, such as a child with leukaemia or an adult having chemotherapy. To qualify they must be 9 months or older, have not had chickenpox, have not had 2 doses of MMRV or chickenpox vaccine, and not be eligible for the MMRV vaccine.

Healthcare workers who are not immune may also be recommended the vaccine if their work involves close contact with patients. The NHS lists doctors, nurses, ambulance staff, receptionists, ward cleaners, catering staff and laboratory workers who are exposed to the virus. If you are unsure whether you have had chickenpox, the NHS says a blood test may be needed to check.

The NHS says to contact your GP surgery if you think you or family members need the vaccine to protect someone you live with, and to speak to your employer if you need it because of your job.

The chickenpox vaccine is given as an injection into the arm or thigh. The NHS says 2 doses are needed, usually 4 to 8 weeks apart, or 3 months apart for babies aged 9 to 12 months. It can be given at the same time as other vaccines. MMR can be given on the same day, but if they are not given on the same day there should be a 4-week gap between them.

If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do normal activities, the NHS advises waiting until you are better before vaccination.

The NHS says most side effects are mild and do not last long. They can include swelling or pain where the injection was given, a high temperature, and a rash in the area of the injection or more widespread that usually develops within 1 month. Serious reactions such as severe allergic reaction are described as very rare, and the person vaccinating you is trained to treat them immediately.

Healthcare workers who feel unwell or develop a rash after vaccination should tell their employer, because they may need to avoid patient contact until they feel better and the rash has scabbed over.

Most people can have the vaccine if they need it. As a live vaccine, the NHS says it is not recommended for:

• people with a weakened immune system because of an illness such as HIV or a treatment such as chemotherapy

• pregnant women

• babies under 9 months old

• people who had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or to an ingredient, including neomycin or gelatin

• people who have had an MMR vaccine in the previous 4 weeks, or are due to have it in the next 4 weeks

The NHS says anyone who has had the chickenpox vaccine should avoid getting pregnant for 1 month after the last dose. The NHS chickenpox page says to get help from NHS 111 now if you are pregnant and have been near someone with chickenpox, and the vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.

Children born in the eligible date ranges receive MMRV through the NHS and are contacted by their GP surgery. The standalone vaccine is funded by the NHS for the specific groups above. The sources used for this guide do not describe private chickenpox vaccination. If you do not meet the NHS criteria, ask your GP or pharmacist what is available and whether you qualify for NHS vaccination before paying for anything.