Tickborne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccination

Tickborne encephalitis or TBE is an infection spread by tick bites. It primarily affects the central nervous system and can lead to meningitis and/or encephalitis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following methods to avoid infection:

• Vaccination against TBE is the most effective prevention measure.
• Apply tick repellents if in a region with TBE.
• Wear protective clothing, with long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks. Treating clothing with insecticide is also recommended.
• Check your body for ticks after outdoor activities. Remove any ticks with tweezers or forceps.
• Avoid eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy products in risk areas.

TBE is caused by a virus spread through tick bites. Per the CDC, there are three major subtypes of ticks that carry the virus:

European Subtype – Transmitted by the Ixodes ricinus tick. It is found primarily in central, eastern and northern Europe.

Far Eastern Subtype – Transmitted by the I. persulcatus tick. It is endemic in far-eastern Russia and in forested regions of China and Japan.

Siberian Subtype – Transmitted by the I persulcatus tick. Infection is centralized to the Urals region, Siberia and Eastern Russia. It has been found in some parts of north-eastern Europe.

Incidence of TBE has increased almost 400 percent in the last 30 years. The number of higher risk areas is increasing, making vaccination even more important.

The tickborne encephalitis vaccine is considered the best way to prevent TBE while in an effected area.

The vaccine is given in three doses over a six month to one year period. It is recommended all three doses be completed before travel to an area with TBE. But, the vaccination is considered effective after two doses.

Please note, an accelerated schedule is available as well as schedules for children under 16 and adults over 60.

TBE vaccination is recommended by the CDC for travelers spending long periods of time in forested or rural areas of countries where the virus is present. This includes popular travel activities like camping, hiking, mountaineering, walking, running or cycling.

Travelers to affected regions are at risk from April to November at altitudes at or above 1,500 metres.

See below for additional information on what regions are most affected.

TBE occurs most often in regions with the specific ticks mentioned above. Travelers to regions where these ticks are present are advised to receive the TBE vaccine and follow measures to avoid tick bites, such as using repellents. According to the CDC, regions affected by TBE include:

Yes. The tickborne encephalitis vaccine (TICOVAC) requires three doses to complete the primary series, followed by a booster dose if you continue to travel to or live in areas where the disease is present.

According to the CDC, a booster is recommended at least three years after finishing the primary series if you expect ongoing or future exposure to tickborne encephalitis virus. Studies have shown that after the primary series and a booster, protection remains high for at least 10 years in children and healthy adults.

Talk to a travel health specialist to find out whether a booster is right for you based on your travel plans.

Many people infected with tickborne encephalitis have no symptoms at all. For those who do get sick, symptoms often appear in two stages, according to the CDC.

The first stage can include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. This stage usually lasts a few days and may be followed by a period where symptoms improve.

In other cases, the illness moves into a second stage affecting the brain and nervous system. This can cause confusion, difficulty with balance and coordination, weakness in the arms or legs, seizures or stiff neck. Symptoms tend to be milder in children and more severe in older adults.

There is no specific treatment for tickborne encephalitis, which makes prevention through vaccination and avoiding tick bites the best way to stay protected.

Yes. The tickborne encephalitis vaccine is approved for children as young as one year old. According to the CDC, children between the ages of 1 and 15 receive a smaller dose than adults, but follow the same three-dose schedule.

The CDC notes that children typically experience milder illness from tickborne encephalitis than adults, though vaccination is still recommended for children traveling to high-risk areas who will have significant outdoor exposure to ticks.

Speak with a travel health specialist to determine whether your child should be vaccinated based on your destination and planned activities.

Passport Health travel clinics carry the TBE vaccination in-stock and ready for your visit. Ring or schedule online now and get protected today!