Chickenpox vaccine.
If you’ve never had chickenpox and want to be protected, whether you work with children or vulnerable patients, are planning a pregnancy, or simply want peace of mind, the chickenpox vaccine is available privately for anyone outside current NHS eligibility. GPhC-registered pharmacist, no GP referral needed.
Why some adults choose to be protected.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is usually mild, especially in children, but it can be more serious in adults, and genuinely dangerous for certain groups, including pregnant women, newborns, and anyone with a weakened immune system. From January 2026, the vaccine has started being introduced into the routine NHS childhood schedule in England, but this doesn’t cover older children or adults who missed it, which is where private vaccination comes in.
The vaccine is a live vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened version of the virus, given as an injection. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had chickenpox before, a simple blood test can check your immunity, or you can choose to be vaccinated directly, which is safe even if you turn out to already be immune. Your pharmacist can talk through which approach suits you.
Is the chickenpox vaccine right for you?
Particularly those working in healthcare, education, or childcare settings, where exposure risk is higher.
Vaccination before conception is far preferable to managing a chickenpox infection during pregnancy.
Including household contacts of pregnant women, newborns, or people with weakened immune systems.
Where close patient contact makes exposure more likely.
Suitable privately from around 1 year of age for families wanting protection ahead of, or outside, the ongoing NHS rollout.
Full price list available on this page ↓. Prices subject to change, please confirm at the clinic.
How the chickenpox vaccine course works.
Immunity discussion
Your pharmacist talks through your history, and can arrange a blood test to check immunity first if you’d prefer, or proceed straight to vaccination.
First dose
A single injection, given into the upper arm.
Second dose, 4 to 8 weeks later
Both doses are needed for strong, reliable protection, a single dose alone doesn’t provide the same level of immunity in adults.
No further boosters needed
Once the full 2-dose course is complete, protection is considered long-lasting.
Book your chickenpox vaccine.
Same-day first doses often available.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat & Sun 9am–5pm (private services only)
Call us
113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG · GPhC Registered
Book — Chickenpox Vaccination
Veritas Pharmacy · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG
Chickenpox vaccine prices.
Price per dose. The full course is 2 doses. Prices are subject to change, please confirm at the clinic before booking.
| Vaccine | Course | Price per dose |
|---|---|---|
| Chickenpox | 2 doses | £65.00 |
Chickenpox vaccine FAQs.
Why isn’t this free on the NHS for adults?
How do I know if I’ve already had chickenpox?
How many doses do I need?
Can I have this if I’m pregnant?
Are there any other reasons I might not be able to have it?
Are there any side effects?
Is this the same as the shingles vaccine?
Related services.
Hepatitis B Vaccine for Work
Another vaccine commonly needed for healthcare, education and childcare roles.
Learn more →Meningitis B Vaccine
Another vaccine not routinely NHS-funded for most adults, available privately for those who want protection.
Learn more →Private Pharmacist
For wider health questions or advice beyond a specific vaccine, our prescribing pharmacist can see you same day.
Learn more →