Should I Vaccinate My Child Against Chickenpox?

15 / Jul

Should I Vaccinate My Child Against Chickenpox?

Private Chickenpox Vaccine Appointments Available at Murrays Chemist

Chickenpox is often seen as a normal part of childhood, but for many children it can bring more than just a rash — including discomfort, scarring, missed school days, and, in rare cases, serious complications. At Murrays Chemist in Harrow, we offer private chickenpox vaccination to protect your child and give you peace of mind.

Understanding Chickenpox

Chickenpox (varicella) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which spreads easily through coughing, sneezing or direct contact with fluid from the blisters. Common symptoms include:

An itchy, spotty rash
Fever and tiredness
Loss of appetite
General irritability and malaise

Although most children recover fully, complications can occur — including bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in rare cases, sepsis or long-term scarring. According to NHS data, thousands of children in the UK are hospitalised with complications from chickenpox each year.

What Is the Chickenpox Vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the virus that trains the immune system to recognise and fight it. At Murrays Chemist, we use Varilrix (preferred) or Varivax — both globally recognised and highly effective.

Dosing Schedule:

Two doses, a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks apart
Licensed for use from 12 months of age
Can be given with or apart from the MMR vaccine

For more about the vaccine, visit:
🔗 NHS: Chickenpox vaccine overview

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

Vaccination is especially important for:

Children aged 12 months and above
Children attending nurseries or schools
Siblings of newborn babies
Teenagers or adults who haven’t had chickenpox
Children with eczema or asthma
Families with immunosuppressed members

International public health agencies such as the CDC and WHO support routine chickenpox vaccination as part of childhood immunisation schedules.

Benefits of the Vaccine

Up to 98% protection after two doses
Milder symptoms in rare breakthrough cases
Reduced school absences and time off work
Lower chance of transmitting the virus to others
Long-term protection and reduced shingles risk

For global travel and vaccination advice, refer to:
🔗 TravelHealthPro: Chickenpox (Varicella)
🔗 NaTHNaC

Is It Safe?

Yes. Side effects are usually mild:

Slight redness or soreness at the injection site
Mild fever or fatigue
A mild rash in some children

More serious reactions are extremely rare. All patients are clinically screened at the time of consultation to ensure safety.

Who Should Avoid the Vaccine?

We do not administer the vaccine to children who:

Have a fever or acute illness
Are immunocompromised or on high-dose immunosuppressants
Have gelatine or neomycin allergies
Have received another live vaccine in the past 4 weeks
Are pregnant or planning pregnancy in the next month

What About Chickenpox Parties?

“Chickenpox parties” — where parents intentionally expose their child — are strongly discouraged by both UK and international health authorities. There is no guarantee of a mild illness, and serious complications can arise unpredictably.

The NHS and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health agree that vaccination is the safer, more controlled alternative.

Is the Vaccine Offered on the NHS?

The vaccine is not routinely offered by the NHS except in certain high-risk groups. However, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that chickenpox vaccination be added to the routine childhood immunisation schedule — likely from 2026.

Until then, private vaccination remains the only option for most children in the UK.

Why Choose Murrays Chemist?

Qualified pharmacist-led clinic with extensive vaccination experience
Full clinical consultation and aftercare advice
Friendly, family-focused service with quick appointment availability
Convenient online booking and weekend availability