Chickenpox Vaccine Overview
The chickenpox vaccine protects against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that commonly causes an itchy, blister-like rash, a high temperature, tiredness and loss of appetite.
From January 2026, chickenpox protection was introduced into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme for eligible children through the combined MMRV vaccine. Private chickenpox vaccination may still be suitable for children and adults who are not eligible through the NHS, have not previously had chickenpox or require vaccination for other clinical reasons.
Two standalone chickenpox vaccines commonly used in the UK are VARIVAX and VARILRIX. The vaccine used will depend on availability, age and clinical suitability.
How the Chickenpox Vaccine Works
The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine containing a weakened form of the virus. It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that help protect against chickenpox.
Who Is at Greater Risk?
Chickenpox is common during childhood and is usually mild. Most people develop long-lasting immunity after infection, although chickenpox can be more severe in adults and in people at increased risk of complications.
Those at greater risk may include:
- People with weakened immune systems
- People receiving treatments such as chemotherapy
- Pregnant women who are not immune to chickenpox
- Newborn babies and very young infants
- Adults who have not previously had chickenpox
Who May Be Offered the Vaccine?
Private chickenpox vaccination may be considered for suitable children, teenagers and adults who have not previously had chickenpox or completed a chickenpox vaccination course.
Vaccination may also be recommended for people who are not immune and have close contact with someone who could become seriously unwell if they caught chickenpox.
This may include:
- Family members of someone with a weakened immune system
- Healthcare workers who have direct contact with patients
- People working in hospitals, clinics or care settings
- Laboratory staff who may be exposed through their work
- People working in schools, nurseries or childcare
How Is the Vaccine Given?
A complete private chickenpox vaccination course usually consists of two separate injections. These are normally given into the upper arm.
The interval between doses will depend on the patient’s age, the vaccine being used and the clinical assessment. The two doses are commonly administered several weeks apart.
How Effective Is It?
Chickenpox vaccination provides strong protection for most people. Receiving two doses generally produces a better immune response than a single dose.
Some vaccinated people may still develop chickenpox, but the illness is often milder, with fewer spots and a lower risk of complications. Individual protection can vary according to age, health and immune response.
Convenient Chickenpox Vaccination for Children and Adults
Hampstead Travel Clinic provides private chickenpox vaccination appointments for suitable children and adults. Our experienced pharmacy team will assess your medical history, previous exposure to chickenpox and individual circumstances before advising whether vaccination is appropriate for you or your child.
What Is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It commonly causes an itchy, blister-like rash and may also cause a high temperature, aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Although many cases are mild, chickenpox can be more serious for adults, pregnant women, babies and people with weakened immune systems.
How Is the Vaccine Given?
The private chickenpox vaccination course will usually involve two separate doses. The exact timing between doses can depend on the patient’s age, the vaccine being used and the clinical assessment. Our pharmacy team will explain the recommended schedule during your appointment.
When Should I Book?
You can contact the clinic whenever you are considering chickenpox vaccination. Booking early is particularly helpful when the vaccine is required before starting work, beginning education, travelling, attending childcare or having planned contact with a vulnerable relative.
Who May Consider Private Chickenpox Vaccination?
Vaccination may be considered for people who have not previously had chickenpox or completed a suitable vaccination course. Eligibility depends on age, medical history, current medication and other clinical considerations.
- Children who have not previously had chickenpox
- Teenagers and adults without evidence of immunity
- Healthcare and care-sector workers
- People working in schools, nurseries or childcare
- Those living with someone at higher risk of complications
- Families wishing to reduce disruption from chickenpox
- People preparing for certain employment or education roles
- Patients advised to consider vaccination by a clinician
What Happens at Your Appointment?
Our clinical assessment helps us confirm whether the vaccine is suitable and allows you to ask questions before proceeding.
Book Your Visit
Contact our Hampstead clinic and select a convenient appointment.
Clinical Assessment
We review health conditions, medicines, allergies and vaccine history.
Receive Your Vaccine
When clinically suitable, the vaccination is administered in the clinic.
Plan Your Next Dose
Where another dose is required, we will explain when to return.
Chickenpox Vaccination in Hampstead, North West London
Our vaccination clinic is based inside Allchin Pharmacy at 28 Englands Lane, London, NW3 4UE. We provide convenient private chickenpox vaccine appointments for families and individuals from Hampstead and surrounding North West London areas. Same-day or short-notice availability may be possible, subject to clinical suitability, appointment capacity and vaccine stock.
- Hampstead
- Belsize Park
- Swiss Cottage
- Finchley Road
- St John’s Wood
- Primrose Hill
- West Hampstead
- Camden
- Kentish Town
- Gospel Oak
- Chalk Farm
- Golders Green
- Kilburn
- Highgate
Chickenpox Vaccination FAQs
Answers to common questions from patients considering private chickenpox vaccination in Hampstead.
Can adults have the chickenpox vaccine?
Suitable adults who have not previously had chickenpox or completed a vaccination course may be able to receive the vaccine. Chickenpox can sometimes cause more significant illness in adults than in young children.
Our pharmacist will review your health, medication and vaccination history before confirming whether the vaccine is appropriate.
Can children receive a private chickenpox vaccination?
Private vaccination may be available for clinically suitable children. Suitability can depend on the child’s age, health, medication, previous history of chickenpox and any previous vaccinations.
Please contact the clinic before attending so that we can confirm availability and explain what information should be brought to the appointment.
How many doses of the chickenpox vaccine are needed?
A complete private chickenpox vaccination course will usually involve two doses. The interval between doses can vary according to age, the vaccine used and the clinical circumstances.
Your pharmacist will provide an appropriate schedule and explain when the second appointment should take place.
What if I am unsure whether I have had chickenpox?
Many people remember having chickenpox during childhood, but others are unsure. Tell the pharmacist about any known history of chickenpox, shingles or previous varicella vaccination.
Depending on your circumstances, further information or clinical advice may be required before vaccination.
Can I have the vaccine if I have been exposed to chickenpox?
Advice following recent exposure depends on factors such as when the contact occurred, whether you are likely to be immune and whether you are at increased risk of complications.
Contact the clinic promptly and provide as much information as possible. Pregnant people, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems should seek urgent advice from an appropriate NHS healthcare professional following exposure.
Can the chickenpox vaccine cause side effects?
As with other vaccines, temporary side effects can occur. These may include discomfort, redness or swelling around the injection area. Some people may also develop a temperature or a mild rash.
The pharmacist will discuss expected reactions, precautions and when to seek medical advice before administering the vaccine.
Can I have the chickenpox vaccine during pregnancy?
The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine and should not be administered during pregnancy. Please tell the pharmacist if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
Anyone who is pregnant and has been exposed to chickenpox should contact their GP, midwife or NHS service promptly for individual medical advice.
Can immunosuppressed patients receive the vaccine?
Because the chickenpox vaccine is live, it may be unsuitable for people who are severely immunosuppressed or receiving certain treatments. Suitability must be assessed carefully and specialist advice may sometimes be required.
Do not stop or alter prescribed medication in preparation for a vaccine appointment unless instructed by your treating clinician.
Is chickenpox the same virus that causes shingles?
Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same varicella-zoster virus. After someone has had chickenpox, the virus can remain inactive in the body and may reactivate later in life as shingles.
Chickenpox vaccination and shingles vaccination are separate services intended for different clinical circumstances.
Do you offer same-day chickenpox vaccinations in Hampstead?
Same-day or short-notice appointments may sometimes be available, subject to appointment capacity, vaccine stock and clinical suitability.
Contact Hampstead Travel Clinic before travelling to the pharmacy so that our team can confirm the latest availability.
Where is your chickenpox vaccination clinic?
Hampstead Travel Clinic is located inside Allchin Pharmacy at 28 Englands Lane, London, NW3 4UE.
Our location is convenient for patients from Hampstead, Belsize Park, Swiss Cottage, Finchley Road, St John’s Wood, West Hampstead, Camden and surrounding parts of North West London.
Book Your Chickenpox Vaccination
Arrange a private consultation with our experienced pharmacy team in Hampstead. We will assess suitability, answer your questions and explain the recommended vaccination course.
What Our Clients Say
“Directed here by my niece. Wonderful! Friendly staff in a cozy pharmacy packed with everything you could need. ”
“I have been going here for over a decade. The Chief pharmacist always goes out his way to assist me, the rest are also always friendly, polite and helpful.”
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