The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine protects against a viral infection of the brain and nervous system spread by the bites of infected ticks. It may be advised for travellers visiting forested and rural areas of Europe and Asia.
£70 per dose — 3 dose course
Who it is for
Travellers visiting forested or rural areas of Europe and Asia, particularly those hiking, camping or working outdoors in spring and summer.
Number of doses
Three doses for the standard primary course, with accelerated schedules available for those travelling sooner.
When to have it
Ideally several weeks before travel, so at least two doses can be given before departure.
How long protection lasts
Several years after the primary course, with boosters advised for continued exposure.
How it is given
By injection into the upper arm muscle.
Price
£70 per dose
The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine protects against a tick-borne viral infection of the brain and nervous system. It is given as a three-dose course and may be advised for travellers visiting forested or rural parts of Europe and Asia, especially those hiking or camping in spring and summer. The TBE vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection passed to humans through the bite of an infected tick, and occasionally through unpasteurised milk or dairy products from infected animals. Many people have no symptoms or only a mild, flu-like illness, but in some cases the virus goes on to affect the brain and central nervous system, which can lead to serious and sometimes long-lasting complications.
The ticks that carry the virus live in woodland, grassland and forested areas, and are most active during the spring and summer months. Travellers who walk, hike, camp or work in these environments are at greater risk of being bitten.
The TBE vaccine is given as a course of three doses and helps the body build protection against the virus. Your travel health nurse will assess your destination, planned activities and the time of year to advise whether vaccination is suitable for you.
Start several weeks before travel
The course is ideally started well in advance, as two doses are usually needed before travel to provide initial protection, with the schedule sometimes accelerated for those leaving sooner.
High level of protection
Completing the full course produces a strong protective immune response against tick-borne encephalitis in the large majority of people.
Several years with boosters
After the primary course, a booster is usually advised within a few years and at intervals thereafter to maintain protection for those with continued exposure.
Vaccination may be advised for travellers visiting forested or rural parts of Europe and Asia, particularly those planning outdoor activities such as hiking, camping or fieldwork. It is especially worth considering during the spring and summer tick season. Your travel health nurse will assess your itinerary and activities before recommending it.
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination may be advised for travellers visiting forested, grassland or rural areas of central, eastern and northern Europe and parts of Asia where the virus circulates. The risk is highest for those spending time outdoors during the spring and summer tick season. A travel health assessment considers your destination, planned activities and time of year before vaccination is recommended.
The TBE vaccine is given as a primary course of three doses into the upper arm muscle. The first two doses build initial protection, and the third dose extends longer-term immunity. The course should ideally be started several weeks before travel so that at least two doses are received beforehand. An accelerated schedule may be possible for those travelling at shorter notice.
Completing the full three-dose course produces a strong protective immune response against tick-borne encephalitis in the large majority of people. Protection lasts for several years, after which a booster dose is usually advised to maintain immunity for those with continued exposure to risk areas.
Most side effects of the TBE vaccine are mild and settle within a day or two. Serious reactions are uncommon. Your travel health nurse will discuss your medical history and any individual considerations before vaccination, and will advise you on what to expect afterwards.