Who is this service suitable for?

The service is suitable for customers aged 1 and over.

The vaccine is not suitable for anyone who is:

• pregnant or breastfeeding
• people with a weakened immune system
• children who have received the MMR vaccine in the previous 4 weeks

Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability in selected stores only. Excludes NI. All services are at the discretion of the pharmacist. Clubcard/app required to earn points.

How to book an appointment

Ask one of our pharmacists when shopping in store or book online via tesco.com/shop/en-GB/zone/flujab
 

How much does the service cost?

£70 for a single vaccination, £140 for the full course of 2 vaccinations (4-8 weeks apart). You can earn Clubcard points with this service (£1 spent = 1 point). Clubcard/app required. 
 

What to expect from your appointment

You’ll receive a single vaccination from a trained Tesco pharmacist in a private consultation room. It will be given in your upper arm, and the appointment will take around 20 minutes.
 

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. It usually causes an itchy rash, fever and tiredness. Whilst it is 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. It 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
• loss of appetite

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 unvaccinated individuals.

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 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
• a fever (a body temperature over 37.5 degrees)

It's a good idea to check your/your child's body temperature and give paracetamol if required.

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. 

Am I eligible for a free NHS vaccination?

Only children are eligible for a free NHS vaccination.

The chickenpox vaccine is now given as a combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) jab, which has replaced the standard MMR vaccine in the routine schedule for children born on or after 1 January 2026.

Catch-up programmes are available for children born between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2025, depending on their date of birth and vaccination history.

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

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.