Where to get the varicella vaccine

The service should be able to review your vaccination history and health before giving the injection. Availability may depend on stock, appointment arrangements, age, and local service policy. Tell the clinician about past chickenpox, allergies, pregnancy, immune-system problems, and medicines that affect immunity. Varicella vaccine is live attenuated, so a routine walk-in appointment may not suit everyone.

Phone first to ask whether the service offers varicella vaccination, whether the vaccine is currently available, and what identification or records to bring. Take your immunisation card and medication list. Ask how the clinic documents the dose and arranges any later dose. You can read about [Chickenpox Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/chickenpox-vaccination/) and [Live Attenuated Vaccine](/materials/live-attenuated-vaccine/).

Speak to a clinician before arranging vaccination if you are pregnant, have an immune-system condition, use immune-suppressing medicine, or previously had a severe vaccine reaction. After the injection, seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, or rapidly worsening illness. If you have a fever and blistering rash consistent with [Chickenpox](/conditions/chickenpox/), seek medical advice rather than attending a vaccination waiting room.

Ask whether this service can check your record, whether the vaccine is appropriate for you, how many appointments may be needed, and what to do if you cannot find an earlier record. Ask about expected reactions and follow-up.