We are delighted to be able the offer Chicken Pox vaccines here to our patients.
The chicken pox vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you or your child from the varicella zoster virus.
The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine has become part of the HSE childhood vaccine schedule.
If your child was born on or after 1 October 2024, the vaccine will be part of their childhood vaccinations.
There are 2 doses. They will get:
- Dose 1 when they are 12 months old
- Dose 2 when they are in junior infants at school
If your child was born before 1 October 2024, the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine will not be part of their vaccination schedule.
Cost: €100
The chicken pox vaccine is administered by our nurse. If you would like your child to be vaccinated, please book it below:
What is chicken pox?
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.
How does the Chicken pox Vaccine work?
The chickenpox vaccine contains a weakened chickenpox virus that encourages your body to produce antibodies against the varicella zoster virus. 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.
Who should get the chicken pox vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine is 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.
Are there side-effects to the chicken pox 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 the chicken pox vaccine cost?
The vaccine costs €100 per dose for Medical Card, GP Visit Card and private patients alike, and is administered by our nurse.
