If you’ve reached adulthood without ever having chickenpox, you might be wondering whether it’s worth getting vaccinated now. It largely depends on whether you’re already immune, your overall health, and how likely you are to come into contact with the virus. While chickenpox is usually mild in children, adults are more likely to become seriously unwell, making vaccination a sensible precaution for some people.
Do Adults Need the Chickenpox Vaccine If They Have Never Had It?
Not everyone needs the vaccine. However, if you aren’t immune and there’s a good chance you’ll be exposed, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional. The chickenpox vaccine is not part of the routine NHS adult programme. It is offered on the NHS mainly to specific groups. Most adults who want protection choose to have the vaccine privately through a registered pharmacy or clinic.
Why Chickenpox Can Be More Serious in Adulthood
Chickenpox in adults carries a higher risk of complications than it does in childhood, including chest infections and, less commonly, more serious illness. For that reason, it’s especially important for some adults to know whether they’re already immune, including:
- Adults working in healthcare, education, or childcare settings.
- Women planning a pregnancy who are not known to be immune.
- Adults living with someone who has a weakened immune system.
- Anyone travelling to, or relocating to, an area with lower chickenpox immunity rates.
How Can I Find Out If I Am Already Immune?
If you are unsure whether you had chickenpox as a child, a simple blood test can confirm your immunity before you consider vaccination. Many adults assume they were never infected, when in fact a mild or unnoticed case in childhood may have already given them lifelong protection. Checking first can help you avoid an unnecessary course of vaccinations.
What Does the Chickenpox Vaccination Involve?
The vaccination is usually given as two doses, spaced several weeks apart, as an injection into the upper arm.
How Many Doses Are Needed?
Two doses are generally required for adults, typically four to eight weeks apart, following an initial consultation to confirm suitability.
What Side Effects Might I Experience?
Most people only experience mild, short-lived side effects, such as soreness where the injection was given or a slight temperature. According to the NHS, two doses provide around 98% protection in children and about 75% protection in adults, and even if you do catch chickenpox after vaccination, it’s usually much milder.
Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid the Vaccine?
As the chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine, it isn’t suitable for everyone, and a proper assessment is essential beforehand. You may need to avoid it or discuss it carefully with a clinician, if you:
- Are pregnant or trying to conceive in the near future.
- Have a significantly weakened immune system.
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose.
- Are currently unwell with a moderate or severe infection.
Book Your Chickenpox Vaccine Consultation Today
If you think vaccination may be right for you, the first step is a short consultation to check your suitability. If you’re looking for chickenpox vaccination in Loughborough, Oakwood Pharmacy in Woodhouse Eaves offers convenient appointments for patients from Loughborough, Quorn, Mountsorrel, Coalville, Barrow upon Soar, and Woodhouse. Our team will talk through your medical history, confirm whether the vaccine is appropriate for you, and explain the full course.
Book an appointment today to discuss your options and, if suitable, begin your vaccination course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I know if I am already immune to chickenpox?
Ans. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had chickenpox before, a simple blood test can check whether you’re already immune.
Q2. Is it safe to have the vaccine if I might already be immune?
Ans. Yes, being vaccinated when you are already immune is not harmful. It simply reinforces existing protection rather than causing an adverse effect.
Q3. How many doses of the chickenpox vaccine do adults need?
Ans. Most adults need two doses, usually given four to eight weeks apart after a suitability consultation.
Q4. Can pregnant women have the chickenpox vaccine?
Ans. No, it is a live vaccine and is not given during pregnancy. Anyone planning a pregnancy should discuss timing with a healthcare professional well in advance.
Q5. Where can I get a chickenpox vaccination near Loughborough?
Ans. Oakwood Pharmacy offers chickenpox vaccination and supports patients from Loughborough, Quorn, Mountsorrel, Coalville, Barrow upon Soar and Woodhouse. You can book directly through our website.
