Private Chickenpox Vaccination

About this service

Chickenpox is so common in childhood that many people assume it is always a mild illness, but for teenagers, adults and some families it can be far more serious. At Berkeley Pharmacy we offer the chickenpox vaccine privately for children from one year of age and for adults who have never had the infection, following a face-to-face consultation with our pharmacist. There is no need for a GP referral, and we can usually book both doses at the same time so the course fits around your schedule.

We take the time to understand your own or your child’s medical history and any previous contact with chickenpox, because this is what determines whether vaccination is suitable and whether a quick immunity check would be sensible first. We welcome families and adults from Berkeley, Dursley, Cam, Thornbury and across Gloucestershire, and we can often plan this alongside other vaccinations in a single appointment.

What chickenpox is and how the vaccine helps

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus and is very infectious, spreading through coughs, sneezes and contact with the blisters. In most young children it is a mild illness, but it is often much more severe in teenagers and adults, who have a higher risk of complications including pneumonia, skin infection and, rarely, inflammation of the brain. It is also dangerous for newborn babies, pregnant women who are not immune and people with a weakened immune system. The same virus stays in the body afterwards and can reactivate years later as shingles.

The vaccine is a live vaccine given as two doses, usually four to eight weeks apart in adults and adolescents and four to twelve weeks apart in children, and it is licensed from one year of age. Chickenpox vaccination is not part of the routine NHS childhood schedule for most children in the UK, which is why many families choose to have it privately. Women should avoid becoming pregnant for one month after each dose.

Who this service is for

How it works

A simple, consistent process for every service at Berkeley Pharmacy.

What to expect at your appointment

Your appointment begins with a consultation covering your own or your child’s medical history, previous chickenpox and any contact with the illness, and a discussion of whether a blood test to check immunity would be sensible for adults who are unsure.

• A clear explanation of the two dose schedule and why both doses matter
• The injection into the upper arm, or the thigh in very young children
• Both appointments booked at the same time
• A written record and, with your consent, a note to your GP

Aftercare and safety

A sore arm, mild fever and tiredness are common in the first day or two. A small number of people develop a few spots or a mild rash one to three weeks after vaccination, which is usually harmless, but if a rash appears, avoid close contact with newborn babies, pregnant women who are not immune and anyone whose immune system is weakened until it has gone. Paracetamol can be used for discomfort if needed.

• Complete the second dose, as one dose gives less reliable protection
• Contact us if you are at all unsure about a rash after vaccination
• Call us on 01453 810316 if you have any questions between doses

Frequently asked questions

How we can supply treatment without a GP appointment

Some treatments at Berkeley Pharmacy are supplied under a Patient Group Direction, or PGD – a written instruction, signed by a doctor and a pharmacist, that legally allows our trained pharmacists to supply and administer specified medicines to people who meet defined clinical criteria, without a prescription from your GP. If you do not meet the criteria set out in the PGD we cannot supply the treatment, and we will explain why and advise you on the best next step. Our pharmacists also work as independent prescribers where that is appropriate.

Serving Berkeley and the surrounding Gloucestershire villages

Berkeley Pharmacy is on Market Place in the centre of Berkeley, with easy access from junctions 13 and 14 of the M5. We welcome patients from Berkeley, Sharpness, Newport, Berkeley Heath, Alkington, Ham, Stone and Rockhampton, and we are a short drive from Cam, Dursley, Slimbridge, Cambridge, Falfield, Charfield, Tortworth, Cromhall, Oldbury-on-Severn, Wotton-under-Edge, Thornbury, Frampton on Severn and Stonehouse. Patients also travel to us from Stroud, Nailsworth, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Tetbury and Gloucester.

• Berkeley
• Sharpness
• Newport
• Berkeley Heath
• Alkington
• Ham
• Stone
• Rockhampton
• Cam
• Dursley
• Slimbridge
• Cambridge
• Falfield
• Charfield
• Tortworth
• Cromhall
• Oldbury-on-Severn
• Wotton-under-Edge
• Thornbury
• Frampton on Severn
• Stonehouse
• Stroud
• Nailsworth
• Yate
• Chipping Sodbury
• Tetbury
• Gloucester

Safe, regulated care from your local pharmacy team

• Berkeley Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. You can check any pharmacy or pharmacist on the GPhC register at pharmacyregulation.org.
• Every consultation is face to face and private, in our dedicated consultation room – not an online questionnaire.
• Serving the Berkeley community for over 25 years.
• This service does not replace care from your GP. With your consent we will inform your GP of any treatment provided. If you are unwell, have new or worsening symptoms, or need urgent care, contact your GP or NHS 111, and in an emergency call 999.
• If you experience a side effect from any medicine you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Page last reviewed: September 2026. Next review due: September 2027.

Related services

Other services you may be interested in at Berkeley Pharmacy.

Speak to our pharmacy team about chickenpox vaccination

Visit us in Berkeley or get in touch to arrange a private consultation with our pharmacist.

Book a consultation Call 01453 810316

Address

14 Market Place, Berkeley, GL13 9BB

Opening hours

Mon–Fri 9am–6pm (closed 1–2pm)

Sat 9am–1pm

Sun Closed