At Chemitex Pharmacy on Hornsey Road, we offer the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine as a private service, with same-week appointments and no GP referral needed.
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Use our online booking system or call us on 0207 272 4869. We offer flexible appointment slots Monday to Friday, 9am to 6:30pm, and Saturdays 9am to 2pm.
A trained pharmacist will review your health history, confirm eligibility and answer any questions before administering the vaccine. The whole appointment typically takes around 20 minutes.
The vaccine is administered by injection under our Patient Group Direction (PGD). We’ll advise on dose scheduling and what to expect afterwards before you leave.
Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly infectious viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most people in the UK catch it in childhood, usually between the ages of one and ten. The classic signs are an itchy blister rash, fever and general fatigue, lasting around five to ten days.
In healthy children, the illness is often manageable. In adults, pregnant women, newborns and immunocompromised individuals, it can lead to serious complications including bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis and, in rare cases, death.
Vaccination prevents infection in the vast majority of cases. The few vaccinated individuals who do contract chickenpox typically experience a much milder illness with fewer blisters, lower fever and faster recovery. For people who haven’t had chickenpox before, vaccination is the most reliable way to avoid these risks altogether.
Adults who catch chickenpox for the first time tend to be much more unwell than children who catch it. Hospital admission rates among adults are significantly higher than among the under-tens.
We administer Varivax, a live attenuated varicella vaccine licensed in the UK and widely used across Europe and North America. It’s the same vaccine formulation used in NHS programmes for healthcare workers and vulnerable contacts.
Varivax contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus. After injection, your immune system produces antibodies against it. If you later come into contact with chickenpox, your immune system recognises the virus and responds rapidly, either preventing infection entirely or reducing its severity significantly.
Most individuals aged one and over require two doses, given at least four weeks apart, for optimal protection. A single dose provides meaningful protection but two doses are recommended for full immunity. Our pharmacist will confirm the schedule that’s right for you at your consultation.
As this is a private vaccination service, it is not available on the NHS for the general public. Every appointment includes a brief clinical assessment to confirm suitability under our PGD before the vaccine is given. There is no separate consultation charge.
Children can receive the chickenpox vaccine from 12 months of age. In the UK, this vaccine is not currently part of the routine NHS childhood schedule (unlike in the US and many European countries), so parents must access it privately if they want their child protected.
Two doses are recommended for children, with at least four weeks between doses. The vaccine is well tolerated in children; the most common reactions are mild redness or soreness at the injection site and occasionally a brief, mild fever.
Many parents choose to vaccinate before starting nursery or school, where the virus spreads rapidly. If your child has had chickenpox before, vaccination is generally not needed, though our pharmacist can advise on individual circumstances.
Adults who’ve never had chickenpox and haven’t been vaccinated are at higher risk of severe illness than children. Complications including viral pneumonia are more common in adults, and recovery typically takes longer.
Two doses are recommended for adults, with at least four to eight weeks between doses. If you work in healthcare, care homes or with vulnerable individuals, vaccination is particularly advisable; in fact, it’s an NHS occupational health requirement for unvaccinated healthcare workers.
Adults who have had chickenpox in the past are generally immune, but if you’re unsure, we can discuss whether a blood test (varicella serology) might be worth arranging before vaccination.
Chickenpox during pregnancy carries risks to both mother and baby. The first trimester carries a small but real risk of foetal varicella syndrome, which can affect the baby’s skin, eyes and nervous system. Later in pregnancy, there is a risk of the baby being born with active chickenpox, which can be life-threatening to a newborn.
It contains live virus and is contraindicated for pregnant women. If you’re planning a pregnancy and have never had chickenpox, vaccination at least one month before conception is strongly recommended.
If you’re already pregnant and have been exposed to chickenpox, contact your GP or midwife immediately. There are post-exposure options (such as VZIG) that may be available through NHS channels.
When you arrive at Chemitex Pharmacy, you’ll be seen in a private consultation area. The appointment typically runs as follows:
Health check: We’ll ask about your medical history, any current medications and whether you’ve previously had chickenpox or the vaccine. This confirms you’re suitable for vaccination under our PGD.
Consent: You’ll be asked to confirm your understanding of what the vaccine does, its benefits and potential side effects.
Administration: The vaccine is given as a subcutaneous injection, usually in the upper arm. It takes seconds.
Aftercare advice: We’ll tell you what to watch for and when to come back for your second dose if needed. You’ll be asked to wait briefly after the injection before leaving.
Both vaccines target the same virus but at different stages. The chickenpox vaccine prevents a first infection; the shingles vaccine stops the dormant virus from reactivating decades later in someone who has already had chickenpox.
If you’ve never had chickenpox, you need the former. If you have, and you’re over 50, you need the latter.
The chickenpox vaccine is very well tolerated. Most people experience no side effects at all, or only mild, short-lived reactions.
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is very rare. Our team is trained in anaphylaxis management and you’ll be asked to remain at the pharmacy briefly after your injection as a precaution.
If you develop a rash post-vaccination, avoid close contact with immunocompromised individuals until it has resolved. A vaccinated person with a rash can, in theory, transmit the vaccine strain (though this is very uncommon).
Based on Hornsey Road, N7, we’re walkable from Holloway Road and Finsbury Park stations with paid parking nearby for those arriving by car.
Every vaccine appointment includes a pharmacist assessment at no extra charge, so you’re not paying extra just to have someone confirm suitability.
Our team administers travel and private vaccinations regularly. This isn’t an occasional service; it’s a core part of what we do.
You can book directly online or by phone without needing a letter or prior GP appointment.
If you need other vaccinations alongside chickenpox, such as hepatitis A, typhoid or MMR, we can arrange multiple vaccines at the same visit where clinically appropriate.
We’re open six days a week, including Saturdays, and appointments are typically available within a few days of enquiry.
Open six days a week, Chemitex Pharmacy is here to support your health. Call us, send an email, or visit our accessible pharmacy near Finsbury Park for all your healthcare needs.
Come and see why families in Islington have trusted Chemitex Pharmacy with their health for over 40 years. We're here for you.
Yes, parking is available right outside the pharmacy.
There's a bus stop just around the corner.
Trusted by generations of families in Islington.
Got some friendly and super quick travel vaccines here as I realised 5 days before travel. The pharmacist was soooo lovely and made the whole appointment easy. She was very informed and answered all my questions with confidence. Will be coming back for any future vaccine needs for sure as the price was much cheaper than the other ones in the area
I came into the chemist on Friday and I was very impressed by your colleague Fiona and how skilled she is with customers, particularly those who are vulnerable. She offered reassurance, was informative, and showed kindness and patience. She is an asset to your business.
Great little local pharmacy with wide selection and convenient hours, always has what I need in stock. Great customer service and advice from a lovely bubbly young woman who works on the till. Would recommend.
I needed to get a Covid and Flu vaccination together, before traveling, and Chemitex were able to give me a next day appointment and a good price.
The service was excellent and friendly.
I thoroughly recommend.
If you’re uncertain about your immunity, we recommend speaking to your GP about a varicella antibody blood test before booking. If you test seronegative, vaccination is appropriate.
The NHS does not offer the chickenpox vaccine to the general public. It is available free of charge only to healthcare workers and certain close contacts of vulnerable individuals through NHS occupational health channels. Our private service at £70 per dose is open to anyone who is eligible.
Meaningful protection typically develops within two to four weeks of the first dose. Full protection from two doses is estimated at around 98% against severe disease, though no vaccine offers 100% guarantee.
Yes. Where clinically appropriate, we can vaccinate multiple family members at the same visit. Just mention this when booking so we can allow enough time.
Post-exposure vaccination may still be effective if given within 72 to 120 hours of exposure. Contact us immediately by phone on 0207 272 4869 so we can assess your situation and act quickly if appropriate.
Expert tips from your local clinical team.
Chemitex Pharmacy is located at 332 Hornsey Road, London, N7 7HE. It’s just a short walk from Holloway Road and Finsbury Park stations. You’ll also find it near the Emirates Stadium. Book online using the link below, or call our team directly.
