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The Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered two-dose course of Varivax, a live vaccine that protects against chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus), administered by appointment at Ways Pharmacy, London (GPhC-registered), for people aged 1 to 65 who have not had chickenpox.
Key facts
| Vaccine | Varivax — live attenuated varicella vaccine |
|---|---|
| Protects against | Chickenpox (varicella), caused by the varicella-zoster virus |
| Schedule (doses) | 2 doses given about 2 months apart; no booster needed after the two-dose course |
| Who it's for | People aged 12 months to 65 who have not previously had chickenpox |
| Administered by | GPhC-registered pharmacist, by appointment |
| Location | Holborn, London WC1B 4ET (near British Museum / Holborn station) |
| Service type | Private (not an NHS service) |
| Booking | Pay online, then call 020 8106 7084 to schedule |
Who should consider it
- Children and adults aged 1 to 65 who have never had chickenpox and want protection
- Non-immune adults in contact with vulnerable people, such as healthcare and childcare workers
- Household contacts of people with weakened immune systems who cannot be vaccinated themselves
- People planning a pregnancy who are not immune (vaccinate before conceiving, not during pregnancy)
Not suitable for: people who are pregnant or trying for a baby; people who are significantly immunosuppressed; people with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component; people acutely unwell with a fever on the day. The pharmacist will confirm suitability at your appointment.
How to book
- Select the service and complete payment online.
- Call Ways Pharmacy Holborn on 020 8106 7084 to arrange a convenient appointment.
- At the appointment, the pharmacist confirms you have not had chickenpox, reviews your medical history and confirms suitability.
- The first dose is administered into the upper arm; the second dose is scheduled about 2 months later.
Frequently asked questions
How many doses do I need?
The course is two doses, given about two months apart. Once you have completed the two-dose course you do not need any further boosters. The pharmacist will book your second appointment at the first visit.
Who is the chickenpox vaccine for?
It is recommended for people aged 12 months up to 65 who have not previously had chickenpox. If you have already had chickenpox you are likely already immune and would not usually need the vaccine; the pharmacist can advise.
Where do I get vaccinated?
The vaccine is administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist at Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4ET, near the British Museum and Holborn station. You can read more on our Holborn branch page.
Can it be given with the MMR vaccine?
Yes, on the same day, or otherwise at least 4 weeks apart from MMR, because both are live vaccines. Tell the pharmacist about any recent vaccines so timing can be planned safely.
Is this an NHS service?
No. This is a private vaccination service. The NHS offers chickenpox vaccination only to certain at-risk groups; this service is for people who want private protection or fall outside NHS eligibility.
Safety / who should not
- Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
- Not given in pregnancy or to anyone trying to conceive, or to significantly immunosuppressed people
- Not given to anyone with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component
- 15-minute observation period after each injection
- Common side effects (fever, tiredness, digestive upset, occasionally a mild chickenpox-like rash) are usually mild
References
* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private service and is not provided by the NHS.
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