Should I Vaccinate My Child with the Chickenpox Vaccine?

Private Chickenpox Vaccination for Children – Available at Bramley Pharmacy

Introduction

Chickenpox (varicella) is often described as a “mild childhood illness.” While this is true for many, not all children are so lucky. Some develop complications, miss extended periods of school, or suffer lasting skin damage. Others may pass it on to vulnerable family members.

With an effective, well-studied vaccine now available privately in the UK, many parents are rightly asking — should I vaccinate my child? Here’s what you need to know.

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a highly contagious virus spread through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with fluid from blisters. It causes a widespread rash, itching, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Children are usually off school for 7–10 days.

However, chickenpox is not always mild. It can lead to:

• Skin infections

• Chest infections (pneumonia)

• Encephalitis (brain inflammation)

• Dehydration

• Severe scarring

• Rarely, sepsis or death

In the UK, over 5,000 children a year are hospitalised due to complications from chickenpox — and most are otherwise healthy.

The Chickenpox Vaccine – What Is It?

The vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened version of the virus that teaches the body’s immune system how to defend itself — without causing the actual disease.

At Bramley Pharmacy, we offer Varilrix and Varivax, with a preference for Varilrix due to its clinical reliability, availability, and scheduling convenience.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

Ideal candidates include:

• Children aged 12 months and older who have not had chickenpox

• Siblings of newborns, to prevent passing on the virus

• Children with eczema, asthma or other chronic conditions

• Children in nursery or school, where infection spreads rapidly

• Teenagers or adults who never caught chickenpox in childhood (can be much more severe in these age groups)

The vaccine can also be offered to adults or teens planning pregnancy or who work in healthcare or education.

Dosing Schedule

• Two doses, ideally given 4 to 8 weeks apart

• First dose can be given from 12 months of age

• Can be given with or apart from MMR (if not done on the same day, a 4-week gap is needed)

Each appointment at Bramley Pharmacy includes a health screening, vaccine consultation, and aftercare advice.

Benefits of Vaccination

• 98% protection from moderate to severe chickenpox in children

• Reduction in school absences, parental time off work, and transmission to siblings

• Less severe illness if breakthrough infection occurs

• Long-term immunity from two doses – possibly lifelong

• Lower risk of shingles later in life, which is caused by the same virus reactivating

The vaccine is extremely safe, with over 100 million doses administered globally over the last 20 years.

Common Questions from Parents

Will my child still get chickenpox if vaccinated?

Possibly, but if they do, it’s usually mild — only a few spots, low or no fever, and quick recovery.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. Side effects are mild and include:

• Soreness or redness at the injection site

• A mild rash (1 in 10 children)

• Fever or tiredness (temporary)

Serious side effects are extremely rare, and all patients are screened for suitability.

What if my child is exposed to chickenpox?

If vaccinated, they are significantly less likely to become infected or will only get a mild case.

Can my baby have it?

Children can be vaccinated from 12 months. If your child is under one and at high risk (e.g. immunocompromised sibling at home), we can discuss household protection strategies with you.

Why the NHS Doesn’t Routinely Offer It Yet

In the UK, the chickenpox vaccine is only offered on the NHS to certain high-risk groups. However, in many countries — including the US, Germany, Australia, and Canada — it is part of the standard childhood immunisation schedule.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has now recommended its introduction into the UK childhood programme, expected as early as 2026.

Until then, parents who want protection must choose private vaccination, available safely through our pharmacy service.

Who Shouldn’t Have the Vaccine?

We do not vaccinate children who:

• Are unwell with a fever on the day

• Have a weakened immune system due to disease or treatment (e.g. chemotherapy)

• Are allergic to neomycin or gelatine

• Have received another live vaccine in the past 4 weeks

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy within 4 weeks

A clinical consultation with our pharmacist ensures every child’s safety before vaccination.

Avoiding “Chickenpox Parties”

Some parents still consider deliberate exposure through “chickenpox parties.” Public health professionals strongly discourage this. While the virus may seem mild, there is no way to predict which child may develop a serious complication.

The vaccine provides safe and reliable protection — without the risks of active infection.

Why Choose Bramley Pharmacy?

• Fully regulated and experienced provider

• One-to-one clinical consultation with a pharmacist

• Fast appointment availability, including weekends

• Online booking for your convenience

• Administered by trusted healthcare professionals in a clean, safe, child-friendly setting