Chickenpox Vaccination
£150 per dose · Same-week appointments available · Open 7 days
About the Chickenpox Vaccination
Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While commonly associated with childhood, it can affect people of any age and is significantly more severe in adults, pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals. The virus spreads through direct contact with the rash or through respiratory droplets, making it extremely transmissible in household and care settings.
The chickenpox vaccine (Varivax or Varilrix) contains a live attenuated form of the virus and provides strong, long-lasting protection. It is not routinely offered on the NHS to healthy children, but is available privately. Following chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life as shingles — vaccination reduces this risk substantially.
Who should have this vaccination?
- Adults and children who have not previously had chickenpox or received the vaccine
- Healthcare workers without documented immunity, to prevent transmission to vulnerable patients
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals — including family members of cancer patients or transplant recipients
- Non-immune women planning a pregnancy (vaccination should be completed at least one month before conception)
- Laboratory workers who handle the varicella-zoster virus
- Children aged 9 months and over in regular contact with at-risk individuals
Who should not receive this vaccine: The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine and is not suitable for pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system, or individuals with a known allergy to neomycin or gelatin. A blood test can confirm immunity if your history is uncertain.
Vaccination schedule
The chickenpox vaccine is given as a two-dose course. For children aged 1 to 12, the two doses are typically separated by at least three months. For individuals aged 13 and over, the interval is reduced to at least four to eight weeks. Both doses are required for optimal protection — a single dose offers approximately 85% protection, while two doses provide around 98% effectiveness against chickenpox and near-complete protection against severe disease.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Chickenpox vaccine cost at The Vesey?
The Chickenpox vaccine is available at The Vesey Private Hospital from £150 per dose. Book online or call 0121 387 3727.
Do I need an appointment for vaccinations at The Vesey?
Yes, we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability. Same-week appointments are usually available. Book online or call 0121 387 3727. We are open 7 days a week including Sundays.
Is the Chickenpox vaccine available on Sundays in Sutton Coldfield?
Yes. The Vesey is open every day of the week including Sundays from 8am to 8pm — the only private clinic in Sutton Coldfield with 7-day access for vaccinations.
How many doses of the chickenpox vaccine do I need?
Two doses are required for optimal protection. For children aged 1–12 the doses are given at least 3 months apart; for those aged 13 and over the interval is at least 4–8 weeks. A single dose provides around 85% protection; two doses increase this to approximately 98%.
Can adults have the chickenpox vaccine?
Yes. Adults who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine can receive it privately at The Vesey. Two doses are given 4–8 weeks apart. The vaccine is particularly recommended for non-immune adults in high-risk occupations such as healthcare or teaching.
Does the chickenpox vaccine protect against shingles?
Vaccination reduces the risk of later shingles because the live attenuated vaccine virus is less likely to reactivate than wild-type varicella-zoster virus. If shingles does occur in a vaccinated person it is usually milder. The Shingrix (shingles) vaccine is separately recommended from age 50.
Can I have the chickenpox vaccine if I have already had chickenpox?
Most people who have had chickenpox have lifelong natural immunity and do not need the vaccine. If your history is uncertain, a blood test (varicella IgG) can confirm immunity. Vaccination is not harmful if given to someone already immune.
Live availability — book directly below
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · Unit 3, The Courtyard, Sutton Coldfield B75 7BU · Free parking · CQC-regulated
Getting the Chickenpox Vaccination at The Vesey
The Vesey Private Hospital in Sutton Coldfield provides the Chickenpox Vaccination without the delays associated with NHS appointment backlogs. Same-week appointments are frequently available, and no GP referral is required — you can book directly online or by calling 0121 387 3727.
Why vaccinate privately at The Vesey?
- Same-week availability — appointments typically available within days, not weeks
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm with no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral needed — book directly online or by calling 0121 387 3727
- Expert travel health advice — our clinical team provides destination-specific vaccination schedules and travel health guidance
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.87 out of 5 from 700+ independently verified Doctify reviews
- Free on-site parking — immediately outside the clinic, serving Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, and the wider West Midlands
Corporate vaccination programmes
The Vesey offers workplace vaccination programmes for businesses across the West Midlands. On-site vaccination clinics can be arranged for groups of any size. Contact corporate@thevesey.co.uk or call 0121 387 3727 for further information and a quote.
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Book your Chickenpox Vaccination
The Vesey · Sutton Coldfield · Open 7 days 8am–8pm · £150 per dose