Chickenpox Vaccine

The Chicken Pox Vaccine not part of routine childhood vaccination and is a private vaccine which you can pay €80 to have here in the surgery. It can be given to anyone over 12 months old.

The cost covers a prescription for the vaccine and for the 2 vaccine doses to be administered 4 weeks apart with one of our nurses.

Please note that you will be charged €80 at the time of booking your appointment.

The chickenpox vaccine protects against the varicella zoster virus. This causes chickenpox. It's also called the varicella vaccine.

Most people who are vaccinated with 2 doses of varicella vaccine will be protected for life.

Why get your child vaccinated against chicken pox

The vaccine prevents chickenpox in 85% of immunised children, but provides 97% protection against severe disease. Therefore, if an immunised child does catch the virus, they are far less likely to have serious complications.

If a person with no immunity to the virus is exposed to someone with chickenpox or shingles, they are likely to get infected because the virus is so contagious. Giving the vaccine within 3 to 5 days after exposure can help to prevent the infection.

When you should not have the chickenpox vaccine

The varicella vaccine is not recommended if your child:

  • had a serious allergic reaction to an earlier dose of varicella vaccine or its components, which include gelatin and the antibiotic neomycin

  • has a disorder that affects the immune system (such as cancer)

  • is taking steroids or other medicine that weakens the immune system

  • is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Pregnant women should not get the chickenpox vaccine until after they give birth.

Number of doses

Children need 2 doses of varicella vaccine. Older children, adolescents, and adults also need 2 doses of varicella vaccine if they are not already immune to chickenpox.

Two doses of the vaccine are needed, at least 4 weeks apart.

Varicella vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines and can be given at the same time as the 13 month vaccines.

Getting Vaccinated After You Are Exposed to Chickenpox

Getting vaccinated after you are exposed to someone with chickenpox can:

  • Prevent the disease or make it less serious. Giving the vaccine within 3 to 5 days after exposure can help to prevent the infection.

  • Protect you from chickenpox if you are exposed again in the future.

Chickenpox vaccine side effects

Possible mild effects are tenderness and redness where the shot was given, fever, tiredness, and a varicella-like illness. There is a very small chance of an allergic reaction with any vaccine.

A rash can happen up to 1 month after the injection. It may last for several days but will disappear on its own without treatment.

This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.