Private Vaccination · Oxford
✓ MHRA-licensed · GPhC-registered pharmacist

Chickenpox Vaccine

in Oxford.
Two-dose protection against varicella (chickenpox) for adults and children who haven’t had the disease. Especially recommended for non-immune adults, healthcare workers, household contacts of immunocompromised patients, and travellers to regions where chickenpox is common in adulthood.
Book Chickenpox Vaccination
Price per dose

£90

Per dose · 2-dose course = £180
VARIVAX / VARILRIX · LIVE-ATTENUATED 2-DOSE COURSE · LONG-TERM COVER
DoseScheduleCover
Dose 1TodayInitial dose
Dose 24–8 weeks laterFull protection
DurationLifelongBoosters not routine
Book Now →
📞 Call a Branch
NHS only offers chickenpox vaccine to specific risk groups. Private vaccination is the route for everyone else.
Suitable from age 12 months. Especially valuable for non-immune adults.
Clinical brief · Varicella zoster

What you should know.

Three things to consider before vaccination.
Young child receiving a chickenpox vaccination in the upper arm
Chickenpox vaccine - pharmacist-led, two-dose protection

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral illness caused by varicella-zoster virus. In children it’s usually mild – fever, an itchy blistering rash, malaise – but in adults it can be severe, with up to 25× the hospitalisation risk and rare but serious complications including pneumonia and encephalitis.

Who needs it?

Anyone who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated. Particularly important for non-immune adults, healthcare workers, women planning pregnancy, household contacts of immunocompromised patients, and travellers to regions where chickenpox circulates in adulthood.

How well does it work?

Two doses give over 95% protection against any form of chickenpox and over 99% protection against severe disease. Immunity is long-lasting – boosters are not routinely recommended.
Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms of chickenpox.

Onset 10–21 days after exposure. Adults often have more severe symptoms than children.

Fever

Usually the first sign.

Itchy blistering rash

Starts on trunk, spreads to face/limbs.

Headache & malaise

General feeling of being unwell.

Loss of appetite

With nausea in some cases.

Pneumonia

Rare but serious - especially in adults.

Encephalitis

Very rare brain inflammation.

Bacterial superinfection

Skin or soft tissue from scratching.

Eligibility checklist

You should book chickenpox vaccine if…

  • You have never had chickenpox or have unknown immunity (blood test available).
  • You are a healthcare worker or in close contact with immunocompromised people.
  • You are planning pregnancy and your immunity is unknown.
  • You are travelling to a region where chickenpox circulates in adulthood.
  • Your child is aged 12 months+ and you want private vaccination.
Not suitable during pregnancy (live-attenuated vaccine). Severe immunocompromise or severe allergy to a previous dose excludes. Mild illness – defer by a few days.
VACCINATED MEDIPILL OXFORD
Chickenpox FAQ

Common questions, answered.

No – natural infection gives lifelong immunity in nearly everyone. If you’re unsure (no clear childhood history), a blood test can confirm immunity. We can advise on the day.
JCVI is reviewing universal childhood vaccination in the UK. As of 2026 it remains targeted to specific groups (non-immune healthcare workers, household contacts of immunocompromised patients) – outside those groups, private is the route.
One dose of vaccine, pharmacist consultation, and immunity assessment. The 2-dose course is £180 total.
Order-in stock at all four Oxford branches – book ahead to ensure availability.
Pregnancy (live-attenuated), severe immunocompromise, severe allergy to a previous dose.
Arm soreness, mild fever, occasional mild rash for 24–48 hours. Serious reactions are very rare.
Four Oxford branches · 1 row · book any

Find your nearest branch.

MediPill Botley

📍 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat 9–1
📞 01865 247 023
Book at this branch

Headington Pharmacy

📍 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat 9–1
📞 01865 765 559
Book at this branch

MediPill Summertown

📍 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat 9–1
📞 01865 558 348
Book at this branch

MediPill Deddington

📍 The Studio, Hudson St, OX15 0SW
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat 9–1
📞 01869 337 583
Book at this branch

Ready for chickenpox vaccine?

Book online for a same-day slot at any of our four Oxford branches.
Book My Chickenpox Vaccination →