Do I need/Can I get a chickenpox jab?

[NotAMammy]

We're not TTC yet, but our minds are turning towards it. I've never had chickenpox that my Mum can remember and I've been exposed to poxy kids on a number of occasions (and some with chicken pox!) Am I right in thinking that I should get a jab before starting to TTC just in case I get exposed to it while pregnant? Can I just ask my doc for this next time I'm in?

Or am I wildly overreacting which is entirely possible?

[Lookinatu]

I didn't even know you could get a chicken pox vaccine I have just had to look this up. I would suggest speaking to your Doctor for more advice as it says only certain people are eligible to have the vaccine. On a personal note getting it when pregnant can be serious although I got it when pregnant and I even had chicken pox as a child. But the guidelines are still to stay away from anyone with them.

[Essexgirlupnorth]

You can get it done privately if your worried.
I was referred to the local fertility clinic because we were having some problems conceiving. Before going for IVF they test if you are immune to chickenpox and if not you need to have the vaccination before you can have IVF.

[NotAMammy]

I was at the doc last week for something else and mentioned this, she had actually just read a paper on it. Got a blood sample taken to check if I have the antibodies, if I don't I get a jab and if I do I carry on about my business. Nice and straight forward!

Thought I'd update in case anyone found the thread by searching.