Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Description

What is the Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine?

 

 

The Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine helps protect against Tick-Borne Encephalitis, a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system.

TBE is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks and is found in parts of Central, Northern and Eastern Europe, as well as some regions of Asia. Although many infections cause mild or no symptoms, severe cases can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), meningitis, long-term neurological complications, and, in rare cases, death.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against Tick-Borne Encephalitis when travelling to areas where the disease is present.

The Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccine is available following a travel health consultation with our qualified travel health team.

It is suitable for both adults and children over 1 year of age.

 

 

What Does the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Protect Against?

The Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccine protects against Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE), a viral infection that affects the central nervous system.

 

 

The virus is commonly spread through:

• Bites from infected ticks
• Outdoor activities in woodland, forest, or grassy areas where ticks are present
• Camping, hiking, cycling, and other rural activities
• In rare cases, consumption of unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals

Risk levels vary depending on:

 

 

Your destination

• Season of travel
• Length of stay
• Planned outdoor activities
• Time spent in rural, forested, or grassy areas

Our clinicians will assess your itinerary and advise whether vaccination is recommended.

 

 

Who Should Consider the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine?

 

 

The vaccine may be recommended for:

• Travellers visiting areas where Tick-Borne Encephalitis is present
• Hikers and trekkers
• Campers and backpackers
• Cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts
• People working in forestry, agriculture, or conservation
• Individuals spending extended periods in rural or wooded areas
• People visiting friends and relatives in endemic regions

Recommendations vary according to destination and individual risk factors.

 

 

Who May Not Be Suitable?

 

 

This vaccine may not be suitable if you:

• Have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients
• Are currently unwell with a high temperature
• Have certain medical conditions affecting the immune system
• Have a known allergy to egg protein or other vaccine components

Our clinicians will review your medical history before vaccination.

 

 

Vaccination Schedule

The Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccine is available using either a standard schedule or an accelerated schedule, depending on how soon you are travelling.

 

 

Standard Schedule

The standard course consists of three doses:

Dose 1: Chosen start date

Dose 2: 1 to 3 months after the first dose

Dose 3: 5 to 12 months after the second dose

Protection begins to develop after the second dose, while the third dose provides longer-term protection.

 

 

Accelerated Schedule

For travellers departing at short notice, an accelerated schedule may be available:

Dose 1: Day 0

Dose 2: Day 14

Dose 3: 5 to 12 months after the second dose

This schedule can provide more rapid protection for travellers who do not have sufficient time to complete the standard schedule before departure.

The most appropriate schedule will be discussed during your consultation.

 

 

Booster Doses

For individuals who remain at risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis through future travel or occupational exposure, booster doses may be required.

 

 

First Booster Dose

A first booster dose is recommended:

• 3 years after completion of the primary vaccination course if ongoing protection is required.

 

 

Further Booster Doses

After the first booster:

• Adults under 60 years of age generally require a booster every 5 years if they remain at risk.
• Adults aged 60 years and over may require a booster every 3 years if they remain at risk.

 

Ideally, travellers should begin vaccination at least 1 month before departure to allow time for the first two doses to be administered.

However, if you are travelling sooner, an accelerated schedule may be appropriate:

Travelling in 4 weeks or more: There is usually enough time to complete the first two doses before departure.

Travelling in 2–4 weeks: An accelerated schedule may be suitable.

Travelling in less than 2 weeks: Vaccination may still be beneficial, and our travel health team will advise on the best course of action based on your destination and planned activities.

For the best possible protection, the first dose should be given as early as possible before travel.

 

 

Benefits of the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

• Helps protect against Tick-Borne Encephalitis infection
• Reduces the risk of serious neurological illness
• Recommended for travellers visiting certain parts of Europe and Asia
• Suitable for adults and children
• Provides long-term protection following completion of the vaccination course
• Administered our trained healthcare professionals

 

 

Travel Health Advice

Vaccination should be combined with sensible measures to prevent tick bites.

 

 

Additional measures include:

• Using insect repellent containing DEET
• Wearing long sleeves and trousers in tick-prone areas
• Staying on marked paths where possible
• Checking your skin and clothing regularly for ticks
• Removing attached ticks promptly and correctly
• Following local health advice

 

 

Possible Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

 

 

Common side effects may include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches

These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet provided at your appointment.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

How long before travel should I get vaccinated?

Ideally, you should begin the vaccination course at least 1 month before travel. This usually allows sufficient time to receive the first two doses, which provide good short-term protection.

 

 

How long does protection last?

Following completion of the primary course, protection can last for several years. Booster doses may be recommended depending on your age and ongoing risk of exposure.

 

 

Can I have this vaccine with other travel vaccines?

Yes. In most cases, the Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccine can be administered alongside other recommended travel vaccinations.

 

 

Do I need the vaccine for my destination?

Requirements depend on where you are travelling, the season, length of stay, and planned outdoor activities. Our travel health team will provide personalised advice during your consultation.

 

 

Are there any side effects?

Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, or mild flu-like symptoms.