Chickenpox is a common childhood illness, with more than 90% of the UK population experiencing chickenpox by the age of 12[i]. This is why Boots has introduced a new and convenient private Chickenpox Vaccination Service** in 30 of our stores across the UK, providing protection against the virus.

Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing and direct contact, and there are an estimated 651,000 cases in the UK each year[ii]. Whilst the NHS does not offer a universal childhood vaccination service against chickenpox, they do vaccinate some individuals including non-immune healthcare workers and individuals who come into close contact with those with weakened immune systems. This then protects the person at risk of catching chickenpox through close contact. The Boots service is for people who may wish to consider getting vaccinated outside of the NHS.

The Boots Chickenpox Vaccination Service is available in 30 stores across the UK to those aged 1-65. The service costs £65 per vaccination and the course consists of two vaccinations given six weeks apart, so the total cost for the course is £130. The in-store consultation and vaccination, carried out by a trained pharmacist, is quick and convenient, taking around 20 minutes to complete.

Asif Aziz, Director of Pharmacy Services Boots UK, comments: “As the UK’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer, we are delighted to be able to offer the Boots Chickenpox Vaccination Service in 30 of our stores. This is a fantastic example of where we are developing our pharmacy services offer in the UK, to ensure that we continue to be at the heart of the communities we serve.

“The introduction of this service highlights the enhanced role that community pharmacies can play in supporting those services offered by the NHS and GPs, as well as the excellent clinical skills our trained pharmacists offer to support patients’ health in locations and at times that are convenient to them.”

As well as offering a private pay service to customers who want to be vaccinated in order to avoid contracting the disease, the Boots Chickenpox Vaccination Service** will provide customers with self-management advice.

To view more information about the service, or to find the nearest store offering the service and book an appointment online, click here.