Get a Chicken Pox Vaccine from Cheltenham Travel Clinic

Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Chicken Pox Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Chickenpox vaccine

Chickenpox 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

View all vaccine prices

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

Red, itchy rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters

Spots typically start on the face, chest, and back before spreading

James Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 522 880

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

19 St Georges Road, Cheltenham GL50 3DT

Book this clinic

Wymans Brook Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 221 988

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Unit 1, Windyridge Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4RA

Book this clinic

The Vaccination

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

*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.

A booster dose is typically not needed if you have both of your initial doses as recommended.

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is highly contagious and can be caught through direct contact with an infected person. The virus responsible for chickenpox, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted by coming into contact with the fluid from chickenpox blisters.

Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains in the body in a dormant state and can potentially reactivate later in life, leading to shingles. While chickenpox is usually mild in children, it can lead to more severe symptoms or complications in adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Close proximity to an infected person increases the risk of transmission. Sharing personal items such as clothing, towels, or bedding can also facilitate the spread of the virus. Additionally, touching a surface contaminated with VZV and subsequently touching the face or mouth can lead to infection. Chickenpox is most contagious from one to two days before the appearance of the characteristic rash until all the blisters have crusted over, usually within five to ten days. After being exposed to the virus, it usually takes around 10 to 21 days for symptoms to develop.

Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and ensuring vaccination, can help reduce the risk of catching chickenpox.

How does it spread and how to prevent it

Chickenpox spreads very easily from person to person, primarily through airborne respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be transmitted via direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. The contagious period begins about 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and continues until all the blisters have scabbed over. Prevention is most effectively achieved through vaccination, which significantly reduces the risk of infection or, if infection occurs, leads to a much milder illness. Additional preventive measures include isolating infected individuals, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding contact with vulnerable people, such as newborns and immunocompromised individuals.

What are the symptoms of Chickenpox?

Symptoms of chickenpox usually start with general signs of illness before the rash appears. These can include fever, fatigue, headache, and a loss of appetite. The most recognisable symptom is a red, itchy rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters. This rash typically begins on the face, chest, or back and gradually spreads across the body. The blisters eventually dry out and form scabs, which fall off as the skin heals. Itching can be intense and uncomfortable, and there is a risk of secondary skin infections if blisters are scratched excessively. The condition can last from 5 to 10 days, and the person is contagious until all the blisters have scabbed over.

How long does the vaccine last

The chickenpox vaccine offers long-lasting protection, typically effective for at least 10 to 20 years, and often much longer. In most cases, two doses are required for full protection. While no vaccine guarantees 100% immunity, the chickenpox vaccine significantly reduces the risk of infection and is very effective at preventing severe illness. Some individuals who are vaccinated may still get chickenpox, but it is usually a mild case with fewer spots and a shorter duration. Booster doses are not routinely required, although guidelines may vary slightly by country.

What are the side effects of the Chickenpox vaccine?

Most treatments for chickenpox are safe, but some side effects can occur. Paracetamol is generally well tolerated, but taking too much can cause liver damage, so it’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness, particularly in adults. Topical products like calamine lotion are usually safe but may cause mild skin irritation in rare cases. Antiviral medications such as aciclovir can occasionally lead to nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, or abdominal discomfort. In rare cases, people with existing kidney problems may be more prone to complications. The chickenpox vaccine itself can cause mild side effects, including soreness at the injection site, a slight fever, or a very mild chickenpox-like rash in some individuals.