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Chicken Pox Vaccine
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At King Street Pharmacy in Plymouth, our private Chicken Pox Vaccine service offers protection against the varicella virus for those aged 1 to 64 years old. If you are ineligible for the NHS vaccine or would like a convenient private option, we are here to help you and your family stay protected.
If suitable, our Chicken Pox Vaccination service involves two doses of the vaccine, given at least four weeks apart. Even if you have already received your first dose at another clinic, you can still have your second dose with us, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
Important: There must be a 4-week gap observed between the chicken pox vaccine and any other live vaccinations, such as the MMR vaccination.
Why Get the Chicken Pox Vaccine?
Chicken pox is a highly contagious illness caused by the Varicella zoster virus. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing or close contact with someone who has the virus. While it is often mild in children, chicken pox can lead to complications, particularly in adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The chicken pox vaccine helps prevent the illness and reduces the risk of transmission. In addition, it lowers the chance of developing shingles later in life. Shingles is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the same virus and it can lead to new cases of chicken pox in others.
Chicken Pox Symptoms and Stages
Chicken pox commonly affects children and symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure to the virus.
Early Symptoms of Chickenpox
The first signs of chickenpox in children often include:
- General tiredness or fatigue
- A fever / high temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Muscular aches and pains
Chickenpox Rash and Blister Stages
The most recognisable symptom of chickenpox is a red, itchy rash that progresses through several stages:
- Spots: Small, itchy red spots appear on the skin.
- Blisters: The spots turn into clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters that can be extremely itchy and may burst.
- Scabs and Crusting: After a day or two, the blisters begin to scab over and form crusts. This process may take a few weeks to complete, as new spots can continue to appear for 3 to 5 days after the rash develops. Some scabs become flaky while others may leak fluid before falling off. Therefore, different spots may be at various stages of blistering or drying out during this time.
People with chicken pox are contagious from two days before the rash appears until all the blisters have dried and scabbed over.
Private Chicken Pox Vaccination in Plymouth
Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from chicken pox and its complications. At King Street Pharmacy, our chicken pox vaccine service in Plymouth is run by trained healthcare professionals, Philip and Carolyn, in a safe and welcoming environment.
If your child shows signs of chicken pox, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for advice on care and treatment. You can also find more information about the importance of the Chicken Pox Vaccination on our blog here.
To find out if you’re eligible or to book your appointment, get in touch with us today.