Chickenpox vaccines offer protection against varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. However, the routine childhood vaccination schedule does not include the chickenpox vaccine. It is presently only given on the NHS to individuals who are in close contact with anyone who is especially at risk of chickenpox or its complications. At Oakwood Pharmacy, we now offer a chickenpox vaccine in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough.
Currently, only 2 chickenpox vaccines are available. They are:
– VARIVAX
– VARILRIX
Who is vulnerable to chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. Normally, it’s mild and complications are uncommon. Most children acquire immunity to chickenpox after infection, so it is rare for them to catch it more than once.
However, adults can suffer from more severe symptoms.
Chickenpox, however, poses greater risks to certain groups of people. These include:
– individuals who have weak immune systems as a result of conditions such as HIV, or treatments like chemotherapy
– pregnant women – chickenpox can be very severe for an unborn baby when an expectant woman gets the infection. It can result in severe birth defects, as well as serious illnesses in the baby after birth.
Who should get the chickenpox vaccine in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough?
The chickenpox vaccine is suitable for certain people, for instance:
– non-immune medical workers
– individuals who come into close contact with anyone who has a compromised immune system
This helps to reduce the chances of infecting vulnerable people. For instance, if you’re undergoing chemotherapy treatment, it’s recommended that non-immune children around you get the chickenpox vaccine.
The vaccine is also suitable if you were about to begin working in a radiotherapy department and had not had chickenpox before.
How does the chickenpox vaccine work?
The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine and comprises a small quantity of the weakened chickenpox-causing virus.
Consequently, it stimulates your immune system to build antibodies that will assist get protection against chickenpox.
How effective is the chickenpox vaccine in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough?
The vaccine is offered as 2 separate injections, normally into the upper arm, 4 to 8 weeks apart.
9 out of 10 children who got the vaccine with a single dose form immunity against chickenpox. However, getting 2 doses is advisable since it gives an even better immune response.
Visit Oakwood Pharmacy to get not only effective but also reliable vaccines.