Chicken Pox
Price per dose: £65
Full Course 2 doses: £130
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a common childhood illness that spreads easily.
While it’s usually mild, chickenpox can occasionally lead to complications, especially in babies, adults or people with a weakened immune system.
Signs & symptoms of Chickenpox
The most noticeable sign of chickenpox is a red, itchy rash that develops in three distinct stages. These spots can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, scalp, chest, tummy, back, arms, and legs. They may also appear in the mouth, around the genitals, or on the palms and soles.
Before or during the rash, you or your child may also feel unwell, experiencing symptoms such as:
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A high temperature (over 38°C)
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Muscle aches and pains
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Headache
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Loss of appetite
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Feeling generally fatigued or unwell
Treating Chickenpox
Most cases of chickenpox can be managed at home without needing to visit a GP. The focus is on keeping comfortable, relieving symptoms, and preventing scratching or infection. You or your child should stay off school, nursery, or work until all the spots have crusted over, which usually takes about five days after the rash first appears.
Prevention
Chickenpox is highly contagious, but vaccination can often prevent it. While the illness is usually mild, it can sometimes lead to serious complications, particularly in babies, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Chickenpox Vaccination
The chickenpox vaccination can help to protect against the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. It’s a live vaccination, given as two separate injections, four to eight weeks apart.
Although not currently part of the routine NHS childhood immunisation schedule, it’s available in certain situations through the NHS. It’s recommended to help protect certain people who have a higher risk of getting seriously ill from chickenpox.
Book your travel health consultation
For expert travel health advice and vaccinations, book an appointment online. It’s best to schedule your visit six to eight weeks before you travel, but even if your trip is sooner, it’s still worth seeking professional guidance.
