Chickenpox Vaccine
Chickenpox vaccination for adults, teenagers and anyone not already protected, given as a two-dose course.
At a glance
Injection
£150
Long-term after two doses
Two doses, usually given four to eight weeks apart.
Chickenpox vaccination isn’t just for children who missed it. Plenty of adults never had chickenpox growing up, and since the illness tends to hit harder later in life, many choose to be protected rather than risk catching it as an adult. We offer it as a private two-dose course at our Longridge clinic.
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It’s usually mild in children, but it can be more serious in adults, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Who should have the chickenpox vaccine?
On the NHS, the chickenpox vaccine is only free in specific circumstances, such as if you’re in close contact with someone at high risk of serious chickenpox (a family member starting chemotherapy, for example), or if you’re a healthcare worker without immunity. Everyone else, including adults who simply never had chickenpox as a child and want to avoid catching it now, pays privately.
Chickenpox vaccination isn’t usually recommended purely because you’re travelling. That said, it may still be worth considering if you’ve never had chickenpox and work in healthcare, in a laboratory with exposure risk, or spend time around someone with a weakened immune system.
Doses, schedule and cost
The vaccine is given as an injection into the arm. We offer it as a two-dose course, with the two doses usually given four to eight weeks apart. It costs £75 per dose, or £150 for the full course.
How long does protection last?
Two doses give long-term protection, and further boosters aren’t usually needed.
Common questions
Can adults have the chickenpox vaccine?
Yes. If you never had chickenpox as a child, you can have the vaccine privately with us. It isn’t routinely free on the NHS unless you’re in close contact with someone at high risk of serious illness.
How many doses of the chickenpox vaccine do I need?
Two doses, usually given four to eight weeks apart.
Is the chickenpox vaccine needed for travel?
Not as a rule. It isn’t a standard travel vaccine, but if you’ve never had chickenpox you may still want to be protected before you go, particularly if you’ll be in close contact with people who could be seriously affected by it.
Book your chickenpox vaccination in Preston
If you’d like to catch up on chickenpox protection, book a consultation at our Longridge, Preston clinic. See our full vaccination range, or our travel vaccinations if you’re also preparing for a trip.
Other Vaccinations We Offer
Compare doses and prices across our vaccination range, all given at our Longridge clinic near Preston.
Whooping Cough Vaccine
1-dose courseWhooping cough (pertussis) vaccination, a single dose often chosen by pregnant women or adults topping up their protection.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
1-dose coursePneumococcal vaccination protects against the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia, given as a single dose.
Shingles Vaccine
2-dose courseShingles vaccination with Shingrix, the same vaccine used in the NHS programme, given privately as a two-dose course.
Vaccination Questions Answered
- Qualified Pharmacists
- Flexible Appointments
- Top Customer Service
Do I need a GP referral for a private vaccination?
No. You can book directly with us for any of the vaccines on this page. Same-day appointments are usually available, and there is no waiting list.
How much do private vaccinations cost?
Individual vaccines range from £40 to £240, and the price includes your appointment with the pharmacist. Meningitis B is priced separately at £140 per dose (£280 for the two-dose course). Get in touch and we will confirm the exact price for the vaccine you need before you book.
Which vaccines can I get free on the NHS instead?
Several, but only for certain ages or groups. Shingles, for example, is free on the NHS from age 65, and whooping cough is offered in pregnancy. If you are not sure whether you already qualify, ask us when you get in touch and we will always tell you honestly rather than sell you something you could get free elsewhere.
Can children have these vaccines?
For suitable vaccines, yes. We will confirm what is appropriate for your child’s age at the appointment. Some services at the clinic, such as blood tests and ear wax removal, are 16 and over, but vaccination age depends on the specific jab.
Is the private vaccine the same as the NHS one?
Yes. We use the same vaccines used in the NHS programmes, for example Shingrix for shingles and the standard MMR vaccine. The difference is convenience and access, not the vaccine itself.
Do you vaccinate for travel?
Travel vaccines are handled separately because the advice depends on where you are going. See our travel health service for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and anti-malarial tablets.
How long does each vaccine last?
It varies by vaccine. MMR gives long-lasting protection after two doses; shingles protection is strong but not lifelong; flu is an annual jab. Our pharmacist will explain what to expect for the vaccine you are having.
Can I get more than one vaccine in the same visit?
Often yes, depending on the vaccines. Tell us what you are after when you book and we will advise whether they can be given together or need spacing out.
Committed To Keeping Our Customers Happy
★ 4.9 on Google
Ready to Get Protected?
Same-day and weekend appointments at our Longridge clinic, serving Preston, Clitheroe and the wider Ribble Valley. Tell us which vaccine you need and we will usually fit you in the same day.
