The chickenpox vaccine, also known as the varicella vaccine, protects your child against the varicella virus (chickenpox). It is administered in two doses of the vaccine, 4 to 8 weeks apart, by injection into the arm or thigh.
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a common childhood infection that most parents have probably heard of. It is caused by the varicella virus, which is very infectious.
You can catch chickenpox from:
- being in the same room as someone with it
- touching things that have fluid from the blisters on them
- someone who has shingles if you have not had chickenpox before (but you cannot catch shingles from someone who has chickenpox)
In most cases, chickenpox is a self-limiting illness which resolves itself without complications. But chickenpox can still cause your child to suffer from fever, itchiness, disrupted sleep and potential scarring from spots, not to mention the disruption to family life of time off school and work to care for them.
Rarely, some children can develop serious side effects like bacterial infections and pneumonia that can lead to severe illness or medical conditions.
If you know your child has chickenpox, the best course of action is to follow the NHS guidance (1) found online. It recommends your child does not go to school or nursery until all the spots have formed a scab (which usually happens 5 days after the spots first appear).
During this time, you can use paracetamol/Calpol to help improve your child’s symptoms, but it’s important not to give your child ibuprofen/Nurofen, as this is associated with an increased risk of potential complications.
Although easier said than done, encourage your child not to scratch the spots as this can lead to scarring. Various topical skin treatments are available at pharmacies to help with the itching.
You must not allow them to go near newborn babies, pregnant women, or anyone who has a weakened immune system, as chickenpox can be dangerous for them.
Is the Chickenpox Vaccine Available on the NHS?
The chickenpox vaccine is not currently part of the UK routine immunisation schedule (2). However, it is available if your child is considered at higher risk, or is in regular contact with someone who is.
In November 2023, The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended a vaccine against varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, should be added to the UK’s routine childhood immunisation programme, delivered by the NHS.
It is intended that the vaccine would be offered to all children in 2 doses, at 12 and 18 months of age, and that a temporary catch-up programme for older children be included in the initial rollout. However, a date for this rollout is still awaited.
If your child does not qualify for the vaccine on the NHS, you can get it through private healthcare providers, pharmacies, and vaccination clinics such as Harpenden Medical.
If you’re unsure where your nearest vaccination clinic is, speak to your local paediatrician or healthcare provider.
Who Can Have the Vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine is licensed for young children who are 9 months or older and have not had chickenpox before.
Although most children can safely have the vaccine, it’s not recommended for babies under 9 months old or children with a weakened immune system due to it being a live vaccine.
A live vaccine contains a weakened version of a virus that causes the disease.
If your child has been exposed to chickenpox, they can be vaccinated within 3-5 days of exposure, which may stop the virus developing or lessen the symptoms.
If you’re child already has chickenpox, having the vaccine won’t help and you should continue to follow the NHS guidance (1) for treating chickenpox yourself at home.
If you’re not sure the symptoms are chickenpox, you should consult your nearest GP or healthcare provider.
Common side effects can include:
- Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site (upper arm)
- Mild rash, skin infections
- Low-grade fever
Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare. However, if a child shows signs of these, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, seek immediate medical attention.
Where Can You Get the Chickenpox Vaccine for Your Child?
If you are based in Hertfordshire, the clinical nurse specialist at Harpenden Medical (where The Children’s Clinic is based), can administer the chickenpox vaccine to your child, appointments are available to book online.
A child’s first dose can be given from 12 months of age, and the second dose at least 4 weeks later. It can be given on the same day as the MMR vaccine (another live vaccine), but if not given at the same time you must wait at least 4 weeks between the two.
Once they have had both doses of the chickenpox vaccine, it provides them with around 98% protection, with no need for further boosters.
However, in the event that they contract the virus after being vaccinated, the symptoms of chickenpox are usually much milder, with fewer blisters, lower fever, and a shorter duration of illness when compared to those of an unvaccinated child.
As the chickenpox vaccine can also be given in combination with the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella), booking a Well-Child or Well-Baby Check at The Children’s Clinic to discuss the timings of this and other vaccines, can be a great way to ensure your child’s vaccination schedule is on track.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
The varicella vaccine for children is a safe and effective way to prevent a common, but potentially serious childhood infection.
If you have any concerns, consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your family.
If you are based in the Harpenden and St Albans area, you can book a Well-Child or Well-Baby Check at The Children’s Clinic for further advice and guidance.
These checks are with Consultant Paediatrician Dr Felicity Taylor, who will provide expert guidance and all-round care. Felicity is dedicated to serving the local community, building lasting relationships with families, and ensuring you receive expert medical care, close to home, from someone you trust.
If onward referral to another tertiary specialist is required (e.g. paediatric ENT, paediatric neurology), Felicity can provide advice and facilitate referrals to the most appropriate specialists.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised guidance and recommendations, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
NHS Guidance:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/
UK routine immunisation schedule:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-complete-routine-immunisation-schedule
