Varicella Zoster, also known as chickenpox, is a common viral infection usually caught in childhood. It’s highly contagious and is spread through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact.
Whilst chickenpox can affect all ages, it’s most commonly caught in childhood. Symptoms do generally get worse with age, however, often requiring time off from school, childcare or work.
To protect those who are most vulnerable to chickenpox, the NHS recommend and offers, the chickenpox vaccine to healthcare workers, laboratory workers in direct contact with the virus, and those who are in close contact with someone with a weakened immune system (such as a sibling of a chemotherapy patient living in the same household).
The NHS currently offers a chickenpox vaccination to certain vulnerable groups, protecting those who are most at risk.
The Chickenpox Vaccination Service is available to those seeking protection from the chickenpox virus, including those who are eligible through the NHS but choose a private vaccination service.
If our Chickenpox Vaccination Service is suitable, you’ll receive two vaccinations four to six weeks apart. If you, or your child, had a first dose of chickenpox vaccination at a different provider, you can still have your second dose at Boots, provided you meet all the eligibility criteria for the Boots service.
The service is suitable for both adults and children aged between one and 65 years inclusive at the time of the first vaccination.
The service isn’t suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone with a weakened immune system, or anyone who’s had an allergic reaction to any previous vaccination. The service is also not suitable for anyone who’s received the MMR vaccine in the previous four weeks. Priyesh will check suitability during the consultation.
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