Your child should have their first dose of the chickenpox vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second at 18 months. The vaccine does not become less effective as your child surpasses this age, and is still highly recommended regardless, so do not worry if you have missed your appointment. As of January 2026, the NHS will offer the chickenpox vaccine as part of the combined MMR vaccine. However, opting for a private chickenpox vaccine will ensure your child is inoculated quickly, without waiting on a list.

What Happens at a Private Appointment for the Chickenpox Vaccine?

An appointment for a private chickenpox vaccine will start with a routine consultation. Your doctor will check your child’s health and vaccination history before administering the dose to confirm they haven’t already received it or have allergies to its active ingredients. Once your doctor has confirmed that the chickenpox vaccine is necessary for your child, they will administer the first dose.

  • If your child is 12 months of age, they will have their second chickenpox vaccine dose at 18 months.
  • If your child is above 18 months of age, they will have their second dose 4-8 weeks after the first.

Should I get my Child the Chickenpox Vaccine if They’ve Already had Chickenpox?

If your child has had chickenpox, they should have developed a natural, lifelong immunity and no longer require the vaccine. Regardless of whether your child has had a mild or severe case of chickenpox, the illness provides the same immunity. 

The vaccine is predominantly for children who have not had chickenpox to protect them from its immediate and long-term risks. However, there is no harm in vaccinating a child who is already immune, so it’s best to consult your healthcare professional to assess the necessity of doing so.

Your child’s doctor will usually conduct a blood test to confirm that your child has had chickenpox before taking further action.

How Does a Doctor Determine That My Child Has Had Chickenpox?

A doctor will confirm that your child has had chickenpox through a blood test, which detects the previous presence of even a very mild case of the illness. The blood test identifies IgM antibodies produced during a new or active infection. It also determines the presence of IgG antibodies, which remain in the blood for life and are responsible for providing long-term immunity.

If you choose a private chickenpox vaccine, you can request that the blood test be done.

Are There Any Side Effects for the Chickenpox Vaccine?

The side effects of the chickenpox vaccine are usually very mild, exhibiting only pain and redness at the injection site. Other common reactions include:

  • Swelling at the injection site.
  • A mild fever.
  • A chickenpox-like rash (which may appear up to a month after the inoculation).

The chickenpox-like rash can be contagious, so it’s important to keep your child away from infants and those with weakened immune systems if the rash occurs. 

There is also a very small risk of a severe allergic reaction, which exists with any vaccine. However, your doctor will assess your child’s health history and risk of allergy before the injection to mitigate any risks.

Consider Oakley Medical Practice for Your Child’s Private Chickenpox Vaccine

The Oakley Medical Practice is a private GP and medical practice based in Sutton Coldfield. We offer the chickenpox vaccine for patients from 9 months of age to offer you peace of mind and your child a far more manageable experience should they catch chickenpox. 

Patient care is our first concern. So we will provide the necessary tests, diagnoses, treatment, and referrals without delay. So, get in touch with us to minimise the disturbance that a contagious case of chickenpox brings and book your child’s appointment for a private chickenpox vaccine today.