Private vaccinations
Chickenpox (Varivax)
Live attenuated vaccine offering long-term protection against varicella (chickenpox).
About this vaccine
About Chickenpox (Varivax)
Varivax is a live attenuated vaccine used worldwide to prevent chickenpox (varicella zoster virus). Chickenpox is usually mild in healthy children but can be significantly more serious in adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people whose immune systems are weakened. Vaccination provides very effective protection against severe disease and reduces the risk of household transmission.
In the UK the chickenpox vaccine is not currently part of the routine NHS childhood schedule, but it is a routine childhood vaccine in many other countries and is widely offered privately.
What it protects against
Protection
Chickenpox (varicella). Two doses are approximately 98% effective at preventing any chickenpox and close to 100% effective at preventing severe disease. It is particularly recommended for non-immune adults, non-immune household contacts of vulnerable people, and healthcare workers.
How it's delivered
Delivery
Subcutaneous injection into the upper arm.
Doses
Number of doses required
Two doses in the vast majority of cases. In children aged 12 months to 12 years the doses are usually given 4–8 weeks apart; in adolescents and adults from 13 years the interval is 4–8 weeks (a minimum of 4 weeks).
Who should have it
Who should consider it
Children from 12 months of age, adolescents, and adults who have not previously had chickenpox or been vaccinated. Particularly recommended for non-immune adults (higher risk of severe illness), close contacts of immunocompromised individuals, and healthcare and childcare workers.
Contraindications
Important information
Pregnancy (pregnancy should also be avoided for one month after vaccination), severe immunosuppression, active untreated tuberculosis, and known severe allergy (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or to any vaccine component including neomycin or gelatin. Care is needed with recent immunoglobulin or blood product use.
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