The Chickenpox Vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you from the varicella zoster virus.

What is the chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a very common childhood infection where symptoms are mild and complications rare. Almost all children develop immunity to chickenpox after infection, so they only catch it once. Chickenpox is less common but more severe in adults.

The Chickenpox Vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine contains a weakened chickenpox virus that encourages your body to produce antibodies against the varicella zoster virus. Antibodies are proteins produced by your body to destroy disease and infection. The vaccine protects you from becoming ill if you are infected with chickenpox.

The chickenpox vaccine requires two doses, which are given four to eight weeks apart, and usually involves an injection into the thigh or upper arm. It is suitable for adults and children aged over 12 months old and should either be given at the same time as other live vaccines (i.e. MMR or Yellow Fever) or be separated from them by more than one month.

The chickenpox vaccine is not part of the childhood immunisation schedule. You can vaccinate your child against chickenpox, but it will incur a fee.

Please contact reception on 091 740340 for more information or to book you appointment.

Who should get the vaccine?

Anyone can choose not to vaccinate their child against chickenpox, but it may be of particular value in certain circumstances. For example, the vaccine is recommended for anyone who is likely to encounter people living with a weakened immune system due to illness or treatment such as:

People living with HIV/AIDS.
people undergoing treatment for cancer or organ transplant.

The chickenpox vaccine is also recommended for:

Healthcare works who have no previous history of chickenpox.
Children who may meet people with a weakened immune system.
Children living with severe disabilities who have never had chickenpox and are living in residential care.
Women of child-bearing age who have never had chickenpox.

Side-effects of the Chickenpox Vaccine

Like most vaccines, you may experience some mild side-effects including:

a mild fever
redness, itching, pain, hardness and swelling around the site of injection
muscle ache, headache, and
feeling tired.

Aside from an extremely small risk of serious allergic reaction, there are no serious side-effects associated with the chickenpox vaccination. The side-effects usually pass within a few hours.

How much does it cost?

The chickenpox vaccine requires two doses, which are given four to eight weeks apart. The vaccine costs €95 per dose for Medical Card, GP Visit Card and private patients alike. This cost includes administration of the vaccine by the Nurse and brings the total cost to €190 for both doses. ( Please note fee is subject to change)

Please contact reception on 091 740340 for more information or to book you appointment.