If you are planning a trip, starting a new job in healthcare, or simply trying to protect your family, it is normal to ask: can you get chickenpox twice? For most people, chickenpox only happens once, but there are situations where a second infection can occur, particularly if the first illness was mild or your immune system is weakened.

At Shivas Pharmacy, we support patients who want clear advice and practical protection, especially those using a private travel clinic in Croydon for vaccines and pre-travel health planning. If you are unsure about your chickenpox immunity or whether you should consider vaccination, reach out today for advice or book an appointment with our team.

Can You Get Chickenpox Twice?

Yes, it is possible, although it is uncommon. Most people develop long-lasting immunity after having chickenpox once, but a second infection can happen in some cases. This is more likely if the first infection was very mild, if the diagnosis was incorrect, or if the immune system is not working as strongly as it should.

For travellers, the key issue is that chickenpox exposure can happen more easily than you expect, especially on planes, in busy hotels, at family gatherings abroad, or when staying with children.

Why Would Someone Get Chickenpox Twice?

There are a few reasons a second infection may occur. Sometimes the first illness was mistaken for chickenpox when it was actually another rash illness. In other cases, immunity may not have developed fully, especially if the infection was mild or occurred very early in life.

Another important factor is immune suppression. If someone has a weakened immune system due to medication or a health condition, their protection may not be as reliable, even if they have had chickenpox before.

Why Does This Matter More For Travellers?

Travelling increases your exposure to new environments, crowded transport, and unfamiliar healthcare systems. If you catch chickenpox while abroad, you may face complications such as fever, dehydration, infected skin lesions, and in some cases chest infections.

Chickenpox can also disrupt travel plans significantly. You may need to isolate, avoid flights, and delay returning home until you are no longer contagious. This can affect insurance, accommodation, and work commitments.

As a private travel clinic in Croydon, we often speak to travellers who are surprised to learn that chickenpox can still be a risk in adulthood, particularly in certain countries, or if they are unsure whether they had it as a child. You can also check current health advice for your destination on the NHS chickenpox page.

Who Is Most At Risk Of Complications?

Chickenpox tends to be more severe in adults than in children. It can also be more serious in patients who are medically vulnerable. If you fall into a higher-risk group, it is worth taking chickenpox immunity seriously, especially before travel.

Higher-risk groups include:

• ⚠  Pregnant women who are not immune
• ⚠  People with weakened immune systems
• ⚠  Patients undergoing chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressant medicines
• ⚠  Adults who have never had chickenpox

Chickenpox Infection Symptoms vs Vaccine Side Effects

Understanding the difference between what catching chickenpox involves and what the vaccine may cause helps put the case for vaccination clearly in perspective.

Chickenpox Infection	Typical Vaccine Side Effects
Widespread itchy blisters that can become painful or infected	Mild redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site
Fever, chills, and feeling generally unwell	Low-grade fever in some patients
Fatigue lasting several days	Temporary tiredness for a short period
Risk of complications in adults including chest infection	Side effects are usually mild and settle without treatment
Highly contagious, may require isolation and disrupt travel	No infection spread, supports protection before travel
May leave marks or scarring if lesions become infected	Occasionally a mild rash, typically limited and short-lived

Is Chickenpox The Same As Shingles?

Chickenpox and shingles are linked, but they are not the same illness. Chickenpox is the initial infection, usually in childhood. After you recover, the virus can remain dormant in your body and may reactivate later in life as shingles. This is another reason why it is important to understand your immunity status, particularly if you are vulnerable or have close contact with someone who is.

What Should Travellers Do If They Are Unsure About Immunity?

If you are unsure whether you have had chickenpox, the safest approach is to speak to a healthcare professional well before your departure date. This gives time to check immunity if needed and discuss whether vaccination is appropriate.

It is also important to consider who you are travelling with. If you are travelling with children, visiting family with young babies, or spending time around medically vulnerable people, preventing chickenpox becomes even more important.

As part of your appointment at Shivas Pharmacy, we can also advise on other travel vaccines you may need, including:

1. Hepatitis A
2. Hepatitis B
3. Typhoid
4. Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV)
5. Rabies
6. Meningitis ACWY
7. Japanese encephalitis
8. Yellow fever (where appropriate)
9. Cholera
10. Tick-borne encephalitis

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get chickenpox twice as an adult?

Yes, though it is uncommon. Adults are more likely to experience a second infection if their first case was mild, if they have a weakened immune system, or if the original diagnosis was incorrect. Chickenpox in adults tends to be more severe than in children.

How do I know if I am immune to chickenpox?

A blood test can check for chickenpox immunity. If you are unsure whether you had chickenpox as a child, particularly if you are travelling or working in healthcare, it is worth speaking to a pharmacist or GP to clarify your immunity status before exposure occurs.

Is the chickenpox vaccine safe?

Yes. The chickenpox vaccine is well-tolerated by most people. Side effects are typically mild and short-lived, including a sore arm or slight redness at the injection site. Serious reactions are rare. It is not suitable for pregnant women or those with certain immune conditions, so a consultation is recommended before vaccination.

Can chickenpox affect my travel plans?

Yes. Chickenpox is contagious, and most airlines will not allow passengers to fly while infectious. If you catch it abroad, you may need to isolate, delay your return, and potentially pay for extended accommodation. Travel insurance may not cover chickenpox-related disruption if you were unvaccinated when a vaccine was available.

Can I get the chickenpox vaccine at Shivas Pharmacy?

Yes. We offer private chickenpox vaccination at our travel clinic in Croydon. Book an appointment with our team to discuss whether the vaccine is right for you.

Speak To Shivas Pharmacy Before You Travel

For most people, it is unlikely they will get chickenpox twice, but it is still possible, and the risks are higher for travellers and vulnerable patients. The best time to plan is before you are exposed, particularly if you are travelling soon or have health concerns.

If you would like support from a private travel clinic in Croydon, or need guidance planning other travel vaccines, contact us today and book with Shivas Pharmacy for personalised advice on chickenpox immunity and vaccination options.

This blog was written on behalf of Shivas Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.