About Chickenpox
In America and Canada all children are vaccinated against this childhood disease through their government vaccination programme. This is done from one year old to prevent them getting Chickenpox, as Chickenpox can be a very serious disease.
In the UK the NHS does not offer free vaccination unless the child is 12 years old and has not had Chickenpox. We offer this privately, so that your child can avoid the discomfort and scarring that Chickenpox causes. Two doses of chicken pox vaccination 3 months apart is all that is necessary below the age of 12; for older children or adults, 2 vaccinations separated by six weeks are necessary. Chickenpox kills 25 children and adults every year in the UK.
Chickenpox vaccination fully prevents infection in 99% of cases. The minority who do not achieve full protection will experience milder symptoms, with far fewer spots and shorter recovery time. There is evidence that vaccination within 5 days of exposure can also prevent or reduce symptoms.