Chickenpox Vaccine – UK Guide to Safety, Cost and Access

The chickenpox vaccine, also known as the varicella vaccine, is a safe and effective way to prevent chickenpox, a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While it is a routine childhood vaccination in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, the United Kingdom takes a different approach, offering it on the NHS only to specific at-risk groups. For everyone else, it is available privately. This article provides a clear, fact-based guide to the chickenpox vaccine in the UK, covering its safety, side effects, cost, where to get it, and the reasoning behind the UK’s unique policy.

Whether you’re an adult who never had chickenpox, a parent considering private vaccination, or simply curious about the UK’s stance, understanding the facts is key. We rely on official sources including the NHS, the Oxford Vaccine Knowledge Project, and the CDC to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Is the Chickenpox Vaccine Safe? What Are the Side Effects?

• Safety profile is well-established: Over 30 years of data show the vaccine prevents severe disease and complications. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
• UK policy is unique among developed nations: Unlike US, Canada, Australia, the UK does not routinely vaccinate children. This is due to concerns about potential increase in shingles in older adults.
• Private demand is rising: More adults and parents are seeking private vaccination, especially before travel or pregnancy planning.

Common side effects of the chickenpox vaccine

The most common side effects are pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site. Some people develop a fever or a mild chickenpox-like rash. Sources from the Oxford Vaccine Knowledge Project note that a rash can occur in up to 10% of adults and 5% of children. Other UK private-clinic sources describe mild rash rates around 1 in 20 adults or 1 in 10 adults, showing some variation. Less common effects include headache, swollen glands, sore throat, cough, nausea, joint pain, and tiredness.

Rare but serious side effects

Severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is very rare. The NHS and the CDC both state that serious adverse events are rare. One UK source cited by the Oxford Vaccine Knowledge Project estimates an overall anaphylaxis rate of about 1 in 900,000 for all immunisations in the UK during 1997–2003.

How the vaccine compares to natural infection risks

While the vaccine can produce mild side effects, the risks associated with natural chickenpox infection are far more significant. Chickenpox can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and bacterial skin infections. The vaccine effectively prevents these severe outcomes.

Who should not get the vaccine (contraindications)

The vaccine should not be given to people who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system due to illness or treatment such as chemotherapy. An allergy to any component of the vaccine is also a contraindication.

Why Isn’t the Chickenpox Vaccine Routinely Given in the UK?

The UK’s decision not to include the chickenpox vaccine in the routine childhood immunisation schedule is a matter of public health policy, not safety concerns. The policy is primarily driven by a theoretical risk related to shingles.

The UK’s vaccination strategy (herd immunity vs. routine)

The main concern is the “exogenous boosting” hypothesis. The theory suggests that periodic exposure to children with chickenpox in the community helps to boost immunity in adults, reducing their risk of developing shingles. A widespread childhood vaccination programme could reduce this natural exposure, potentially leading to a short-term increase in shingles cases among older adults.

Concerns about shingles in adults

While countries like the US, Germany, and Australia have introduced routine varicella vaccination and seen dramatic declines in chickenpox hospitalisations without a clear shingles increase, the UK’s advisory body, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), has consistently cited cost-effectiveness and the shingles concern as reasons to maintain the current policy.

Recent discussions and potential changes

In 2023, NHS England announced a review of potential routine childhood vaccination, but no policy change has been implemented as of 2025. The JCVI is expected to provide an update after further review. Newer modelling studies suggest the shingles risk may be lower than previously thought, which could influence future decisions.

Who can still get the vaccine privately

Despite not being routine on the NHS, the vaccine is available for anyone who wants it through private providers. This is a key route for adults who never had chickenpox, healthcare workers, and those planning a family.

Where to Get the Chickenpox Vaccine in the UK: Cost, Providers, and Access

For those not eligible on the NHS, the private market for the chickenpox vaccine is well-established in the UK. Prices and availability vary, but several major providers offer the service.

Chickenpox vaccine at Boots – prices and booking

Boots offers a private chickenpox vaccination service. Details on pricing and booking can be found on their website. The service is typically available for adults and children over a certain age.

Superdrug chickenpox vaccination service

Superdrug Health Clinics also provide the vaccination. They list a price of £75 per dose, meaning a full course of two doses would cost approximately £150. The service is available to adults and children from