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Registered Yellow Fever Centre, Cambridge
Chickenpox is often thought of as a mild childhood illness, and for most children it is. It can be much more unpleasant for teenagers and adults, and more serious during pregnancy, in newborn babies and in people with a weakened immune system. If you or your child have never had chickenpox, a vaccine can give strong protection. You can book an appointment at Cambridge Travel Clinic to talk it through with a pharmacist.
What changed in 2026
From 1 January 2026, the chickenpox vaccine became part of the routine NHS childhood schedule in the UK. Children are now offered MMRV, a combined vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox), in place of the old MMR vaccine.
Which doses a child is offered depends on their date of birth:
Children born on or after 1 January 2025 are offered MMRV at 12 months and 18 months.
Children born between 1 July and 31 December 2024 have MMR at 12 months, then MMRV at 18 months and at 3 years 4 months.
Children born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024 have MMR at 12 months, then one MMRV dose at 3 years 4 months.
There is also a catch-up for children born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022 who haven’t had chickenpox or the vaccine. They are being offered a single MMRV dose between November 2026 and March 2028.
If your child falls into one of these groups, your GP surgery is the place to start. The NHS programme does not cover children born before 2020, or adults, unless they fall into a specific clinical group.
Who might consider a private chickenpox vaccine?
A private appointment may suit people who are not covered by the routine programme and have never had chickenpox. This can include:
Older children and teenagers born before 2020 who have never had chickenpox
Adults who have never had chickenpox, especially if they are planning a pregnancy in the future
People working with young children, or travelling to work in schools, orphanages or healthcare settings abroad
Parents who would like an older child protected before a younger sibling or new baby arrives
The NHS also offers the vaccine to some groups, such as healthcare workers who aren’t immune. It is also offered to healthy people in close, regular contact with someone at high risk of serious chickenpox, for example a child having treatment for leukaemia. If that sounds like you, speak to your GP or occupational health team first.
Chickenpox occurs worldwide, and UKHSA guidance on TravelHealthPro says the vaccine is not usually recommended just because someone is travelling. A travel appointment is still a good moment to check you are up to date with the UK routine schedule. It’s worth asking about at the same time as your travel vaccines.
How the vaccine is given
The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine, given as an injection. For children aged 9 months and over and for adults, the course is two doses given at least 4 weeks apart. Booster doses aren’t needed.
According to the NHS, two doses give around 98% protection in children and about 75% in teenagers and adults. People who do catch chickenpox after vaccination usually have a milder illness.
Not sure if you’ve had chickenpox?
Many adults can’t remember. If you are unsure, a blood test can check for immunity. The pharmacist can talk you through the options at your consultation.
Timing with other vaccines
The chickenpox vaccine can be given on the same day as the MMR vaccine. If they aren’t given together, there should be a gap of at least 4 weeks. The Green Book also advises a minimum 4-week gap between MMRV and the yellow fever vaccine. If you are planning a trip that needs several vaccines, we’ll help you plan the timings.
Who should not have it
Because it is a live vaccine, it is not suitable for everyone. You should not have it if you:
Are pregnant. Pregnancy should also be avoided for 1 month after the last dose
Have a severely weakened immune system, because of a condition or a treatment such as chemotherapy
Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient, including neomycin or gelatine
Are under 9 months old
If you have a high temperature or feel unwell, it is best to wait until you’ve recovered. Breastfeeding is not a reason to avoid the vaccine.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle quickly. They can include soreness or swelling where the injection was given, a high temperature, or a mild rash, usually within a month. If a rash appears, keep it covered. A small number of people develop a more widespread rash. If that happens, avoid close contact with anyone who has a weakened immune system until the rash has crusted over. Serious allergic reactions are very rare, and our pharmacists are trained to deal with them.
Book your chickenpox vaccine in Cambridge
We’ll check stock when you book so the chickenpox vaccine is ready for your appointment. You can see our current fees on the pricing page.
Every appointment is with one of our pharmacists. We check your whole itinerary against current UK guidance and go through every vaccine and travel medicine you might need in one visit.
We have two branches, and both are registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, 56 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2AS (01223 354383), is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Book at Mill Road online. Cambridge Travel Clinic at Waterbeach Pharmacy, 5 Greenside, Waterbeach, Cambridge CB25 9HW (01223 564422), is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm and 1:30pm to 5:45pm. Book at Waterbeach online.
We see travellers from Cambridge, Cherry Hinton, Trumpington, Chesterton, Histon, Milton, Cottenham, Waterbeach and nearby villages. We’re happy to talk through your plans, however close your departure.