Chickenpox Vaccination

Chickenpox vaccinations help to protect against the chickenpox virus and to prevent the spread of chickenpox in a community.

This is especially important if there are people who are immuno-compromised and who are more susceptible to infection of any type.

If a child or an adult develops chickenpox, it is particularly important to prevent spread to other family members and – particularly at this time – to healthcare workers, who may be at risk.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox - or varicella to give it its correct name - is one of the most common infectious childhood illnesses, but it can also affect adults.

Anyone who develops chickenpox will feel as if he or she has a cold or fever. Small pink bumps will spread over the whole body, developing into little water blisters.

While chickenpox is generally not serious, it is highly contagious and is usually spread through coughing, sneezing and direct contact.

Chickenpox vaccination provides protection from the chickenpox virus.

At Toome Pharmacy we offer a Chickenpox Vaccination service, which is suitable for both children and adults aged between one and 65 years of age.

The vaccination is delivered in two doses a minimum of six weeks apart.

If you are receiving the vaccination, you will be vaccinated in your arm, so it’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing or even short sleeves as this will make the process quicker and easier to carry out.

If your child is being vaccinated and they are under the age of two, they will usually be vaccinated in the thigh. Children over the age of two – as with adults – will be vaccinated in the arm, although the pharmacist will make the decision on an individual basis.

As you will know, children can become nervous when they see needles, so try and leave plenty of time for the appointment so that they don’t become stressed and reassure them throughout.

 Following a chickenpox vaccination, you and your child will be asked to remain in the pharmacy for five minutes or so to ensure that there is no adverse reaction to the vaccination.