About the Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine
When Should You Get the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine?
We recommend starting the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine course at least 4 weeks before travel to affected areas in Europe or Asia. This allows time to build effective protection.
If you are travelling at short notice, an accelerated schedule may be available. Our specialised nurses will assess your destination, activities, and travel dates to advise on the most appropriate timing.
Vaccine Schedule
To achieve the best protection, the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine UK schedule includes 3 doses:
- First dose
- Second dose (1–3 months after the first)
- Third dose (5–12 months after the second)
An accelerated schedule may be suitable in certain circumstances.
Booster Requirements
A booster dose is generally recommended every 3 to 5 years if you remain at risk through travel or outdoor activities in endemic regions.
Our specialised nurses will review your vaccination history and confirm when a booster is due.
How the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Is Given
The TBE vaccine is administered as an injection in the upper arm during your appointment.
Your consultation typically lasts around 15 minutes and includes a full travel risk assessment and medical review.
How Long Does the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Last?
After completing the full 3-dose course, protection lasts for at least 3 years.
A booster dose is required after this period if you continue to travel to high-risk areas.
Possible Side Effects
Most people tolerate the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine well. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived.
Possible side effects include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Headache
Serious allergic reactions are rare. Our specialised nurses will explain potential side effects and answer any questions before vaccination.
Who Can Have the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine?
The vaccine is suitable for:
- Adults
- Children aged 12 months and over
Your medical history will be carefully reviewed to ensure the vaccine is safe and appropriate for you.
Risk If You Contract Tick-Borne Encephalitis
Symptoms can range from mild flu-like illness with fever and headache to more serious neurological complications, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk.
Our London Travel Clinics
We have four central London travel clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair, convenient for anyone living or working in the city. We are open early mornings, lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, providing all essential travel vaccinations and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that affects the brain and central nervous system. It is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected tick.
TBE is caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which belongs to the flavivirus family.
TBE spreads mainly through infected tick bites. In rare cases, it can also be transmitted by consuming unpasteurised milk or dairy products from infected animals.
Early symptoms include fever, headache and fatigue. In more severe cases, it can progress to meningitis or encephalitis, causing neurological complications.
Mild cases may resolve within a week, but severe neurological illness can require hospital care and may result in long-term effects.
Travellers visiting endemic regions who spend time outdoors in forested or rural areas are at higher risk, especially those hiking, camping or cycling.
TBE is common in parts of Central, Eastern and Northern Europe, as well as areas of Russia and East Asia.
Countries reporting cases include Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the Baltic states, parts of Russia, and regions of China and Japan.
The virus is typically found in wooded, grassy and rural environments where infected ticks are present, particularly during spring and summer.
Thousands of cases are reported globally each year, mainly in Europe and Asia. While risk in the UK remains low, isolated cases have been identified.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for TBE. Medical care focuses on managing symptoms, making prevention through vaccination especially important.
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is an inactivated (non-live) vaccine that protects against the TBE virus and is given as a course of injections.
You can receive the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine privately at a specialist travel clinic. London Vaccination Clinic offers TBE vaccination appointments at our central London locations.
No. TBE is caused by a virus and can affect the brain, whereas Lyme disease is bacterial and typically begins with a rash. There is a vaccine for TBE but not for Lyme disease.
Wear long sleeves and trousers, use insect repellent, avoid tall grass and check for ticks after outdoor activities. Vaccination provides the most reliable protection.
Yes. The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is suitable for children from 12 months of age. A paediatric formulation is used for younger patients, and our specialised nurses will review your child’s medical history to ensure the vaccine is safe and appropriate.
