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Tesco Pharmacy vaccinations

Which private vaccinations are available?

  • COVID-19 vaccination

    COVID-19 vaccination

    You can now book a private COVID-19 vaccination at Tesco Pharmacy*

    Book an appointment
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    Meningitis ACWY vaccination

    Traveling abroad or starting university? Protect yourself by having your ACWY vaccine at an in-store pharmacy.*

    Book an appointment
  • Chickenpox vaccination

    Chickenpox vaccination

    Keep your loved ones safe with our new chickenpox vaccination services*

    Book an appointment

More about our chickenpox vaccine service

Check if you're suitable for a chickenpox vaccination

The vaccine is not suitable for anyone who is preganant or breastfeeding, or for people with a weakened immune system. Also, children who have had the MMR vaccine in the previous 4 weeks should not have the chickenpox vaccine. The service is available to people aged between 1 and 65 years.

How to book an appointment

Book online using the button above. Alternatively, ask at a Tesco Pharmacy when shopping in-store.

The cost of the service

A single vaccination is £70. The full course of 2 vaccinations (4-8 weeks apart) is £140.

What to expect from your appointment

Your appointment will take place in one of our private consultation rooms, at an in-store Tesco Pharmacy. The vaccination course is made up of 2 vaccinations, given 4-8 weeks apart. We'll schedule your second vaccination after your first appointment. Your vaccinations will be delivered by a trained Tesco pharmacist. The vaccine will be given as an injection in the upper arm for older children and adults, or in the thigh for younger children. The appointment will take around 20 minutes.

Chickenpox vaccination FAQs

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It usually causes an itchy rash, fever and tiredness. Although it's typically mild in children, it can lead to complications in adults and vulnerable groups.

Common symptoms

The main symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, spotty rash, which can be anywhere on the body. The spots form blisters, which dry up and then scab. Before or after the rash appears, you might also have:
- a high temperature
- aches and pains, and generally feel unwell
- a loss of appetite

Who is at risk?

Chickenpox can affect all ages, but it’s most commonly caught in childhood. Some people, such as pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system, have a higher risk of complications if they catch chickenpox.

How well does the chickenpox vaccination work?

The chickenpox vaccine is very effective. Two doses of the vaccine provide about 98% protection in children and about 75% protection in teenagers and adults. Even if someone vaccinated does get chickenpox, it's usually milder than in people who haven't been vaccinated.

Can I have a vaccination if I feel unwell?

If you have a high temperature or feel unwell, wait until you're feeling better before having your vaccination.

Are children or adults eligible for a free NHS vaccination?

Currently, vaccination against chickenpox is not routinely available to patients on the NHS.

Are there any side effects from the vaccine?

The most common side effects of the chickenpox vaccine are mild and get better within a few days. They can include:
- pain or soreness where the injection was given
- fever (a body temperature over 37.5C)
It's a good idea to check your/your child's body temperature and give paracetamol, if needed.

Is there anything else I need to know about my appointment?

For adults and older children, the vaccination will be given in the upper arm, so it’s helpful to wear short sleeves or loose sleeves that can be rolled up. With younger children, the vaccine will be given in the thigh.

More about our meningitis ACWY vaccination service

Check if you're suitable for a MenACWY vaccination

Private MenACWY vaccinations are available to individuals aged 1+. Suitability is determined during a consultation with a pharmacist. The vaccination is recommended for those travelling to high-risk countries or starting university. Certain restrictions may apply based on age, travel requirements, and medical history.

How to book an appointment

Book online or ask at a Tesco Pharmacy when shopping in-store.

The cost of the vaccination service

A single vaccination is £50.

What to expect from your appointment

You’ll receive a confidential consultation in one of our private consultation rooms, located at our in-store pharmacies.

Meningitis vaccination FAQs

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. If not treated quickly, it can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Who's at risk?

It’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults, but can affect anyone. Vaccination should be considered before travel to high-risk countries.

Travellers for Hajj and Umrah

Travellers arriving for Hajj and Umrah are required to submit a valid vaccination certificate with a quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal vaccine, received at least 10 days prior to the planned arrival. The vaccination certificate will be given to you following your vaccination at Tesco Pharmacy.

Can I have a vaccination if I feel unwell?

If you have a high temperature or feel unwell, wait until you're feeling better before having your vaccination.

Will I need a booster?

A booster dose is recommended after five years for travellers who are at risk of the disease again. For Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, evidence of vaccination is required every five years for a visa application.

Who's eligible for a free NHS vaccination?

The NHS Meningitis ACWY vaccination is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old, sixth formers and 'fresher' students going to university for the first time. It’s also offered to people up to the age of 25 who’ve not been vaccinated previously.

Are there any side effects from the vaccine?

The most common side effects are pain or swelling at the injection site, headache, feeling sick, a rash, feeling tired, or generally feeling unwell. Most effects following vaccination are mild and short-lived.

Is there anything else I need to know about my appointment?

The vaccination will be given in your upper arm, so it’s helpful to wear short sleeves or loose sleeves that can be rolled up.
*Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability in selected stores only. All services are at the discretion of the pharmacist.