Chickenpox is a very common infection caused by the Varicella Zoster virus.

It is spread by sneezing or coughing.

Once a person is infected, it takes 14 to 21 days for the illness to develop.

Although normally a fairly harmless infection, chickenpox can be more serious and cause serious complications at times. The most common serious complications are pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Severe cases and serious complications are more likely to occur in teenagers and adults.

The Chickenpox Vaccine prevents chickenpox in most cases.

The Vaccine:

Chickenpox vaccines are live vaccines 
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From 1st July 2013, the Chickenpox vaccine is provided in combination with the Measles, Mumps and Rubella booster (Priorix Tetra).

Recommended for:

The vaccine can be given to:
  • Chickenpox vaccine is provided free for children born on or after 1st May 2004 and is given at 18 months.
  • ​Children 13 months of age and over
  • Children up to 12 years require a single injection only
  • Those 14 years of age and over require two injections - 4 to 8 weeks apart.

Aspirin should not be taken to treat any fever which develops. Aspirin should never be used for the treatment of fever as it may be associated with a fatal complication - Reye's Syndrome)

Paracetamol or Nurofen are safe to treat any fever which develops.

Chickenpox vaccines should not to be given where :
  • There is an allergy to previous chicken pox vaccine
  • There is an allergy to NEOMYCIN ( an antibiotic )
  • During pregnancy or while breastfeeding
  • If pregnancy is planned within 3 months.
  • In the presence of a high fever
  • Where there is a possibility of reduced immunity - on cortisone medication, being treated for cancer, on transplantation medication
  • When taking aspirin
  • If a family member has reduced immunity - being treated for cancer etc.

Adverse Reactions:

Reactions to the vaccine are usually mild - around 15% of people develop a fever, usually 14 to 21 days later, and around 20% get some redness around the injection site - usually in the first 2 days.

​Occasionally one or two chickenpox blisters may appear - mostly near the injection site.