Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccination: UK Guide

In short: Chickenpox (varicella) is a very contagious viral infection. It is usually mild in children but can be more serious in babies, teenagers, adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Since 1 January 2026, chickenpox vaccine has been part of the routine NHS childhood schedule in England, given as the combined MMRV vaccine at 12 and 18 months, with a catch-up offer for some older children. Older children and adults who have never had chickenpox may be offered a vaccine after a clinical assessment.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist and checked against the UKHSA Green Book, explains the symptoms, risks and vaccination options.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It spreads easily through the air and by contact with the fluid in the blisters. After you recover, the virus stays inactive in the nerves and can reactivate years later as shingles, usually in older adults or people with weakened immunity.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

• a high temperature, aches and feeling generally unwell, often a day or two before the rash
• an itchy rash of spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters, then scab over. New spots can keep appearing for several days. On brown and black skin, spots may look darker or less red.
• loss of appetite and tiredness

Symptoms usually start one to three weeks after contact with someone with chickenpox or shingles. People are infectious from about a day or two before the rash appears until all the spots have crusted over, usually around five days after the rash starts.

Who is at higher risk of serious chickenpox?

• newborn babies
• teenagers and adults, who are more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia
• pregnant women, as chickenpox can cause serious illness in the mother and, rarely, harm the baby
• people with weakened immune systems

Complications can include bacterial skin infections (including invasive group A streptococcal infection), pneumonia and, rarely, inflammation of the brain.

When should I get medical help?

Contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or are caring for a baby under four weeks old and have been in contact with chickenpox or have symptoms, as treatment may need to start quickly. Also get help if the skin around blisters becomes hot, painful and swollen, or if someone has difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, a stiff neck or becomes drowsy or confused. Do not give ibuprofen to someone with chickenpox unless a clinician has advised it, because it may increase the risk of serious skin infections; paracetamol can be used for fever and discomfort.

What has changed with chickenpox vaccination in the UK?

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, England introduced a routine chickenpox vaccination programme on 1 January 2026, using the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine.

Other UK nations have introduced similar programmes; check local NHS information.

Can older children and adults have the chickenpox vaccine?

Yes. A single-antigen chickenpox vaccine, given as two doses at least four weeks apart, is available for older children and adults who have not had chickenpox. On the NHS it is offered to certain groups, such as non-immune healthcare workers and close contacts of people with weakened immune systems. Others may choose private vaccination, for example before working with children, travelling for long periods or planning a pregnancy. A clinician will check your history and whether the vaccine is suitable.

Who should not have the chickenpox vaccine?

• pregnant women (avoid pregnancy for one month after vaccination)
• people with severely weakened immune systems
• anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine ingredient

Is the chickenpox vaccine safe?

Chickenpox vaccines have been used for decades in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Germany and Australia. Common side effects are soreness at the injection site and a mild fever. A few people develop a mild rash; rarely, the vaccine virus can spread to others from this rash, so cover it and avoid close contact with vulnerable people until it has gone. Countries with long-standing programmes have not seen the increase in shingles in older adults that was once a concern.

Frequently asked questions

I am not sure if I have had chickenpox. Should I be vaccinated?

Many adults who do not remember having chickenpox are actually immune. A clinician can discuss your history and, if needed, a blood test, before deciding whether vaccination is appropriate.

Is the chickenpox vaccine the same as the shingles vaccine?

No. Shingles vaccines are a separate NHS programme for older adults and some people with weakened immunity. The chickenpox vaccine is for people who have not had chickenpox.

Does chickenpox matter for travel?

Chickenpox occurs worldwide. It is worth checking your immunity before long trips, work with children or volunteering abroad, particularly if you are planning a pregnancy.

Key takeaways

• Chickenpox is usually mild in children but can be serious in adults, pregnant women, newborns and people with weakened immunity.
• Since January 2026, young children in England are offered chickenpox protection through the MMRV vaccine.
• Older children and adults without immunity may be offered two doses of chickenpox vaccine after a clinical assessment.
• Seek urgent advice after contact with chickenpox if you are pregnant or immunosuppressed.

Sources and further reading

• UKHSA Green Book, chapter 34: Varicella
• UKHSA: MMRV vaccination information for healthcare professionals
• NHS: Chickenpox
• NHS: Chickenpox vaccine

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Not sure whether you or your child are protected against chickenpox? Ready Health in Standish, serving Wigan, Chorley and Bolton, offers vaccination consultations where a clinician will review your history and advise whether vaccination is suitable. You can book online.