Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination

People who plan to spend time outdoors in risk areas can protect themselves with the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine.

This vaccine is for adults and children aged 1 year or older.

You should not take this vaccine if you are pregnant without having consulted with a doctor.

People aged 1–50 need 3 doses for full protection against tick-borne encephalitis.
The first and second doses should be taken at least 1 month before spending time outdoors in a risk area. The second dose is taken 1 month after the first dose. The third dose is taken 1 month after the second dose.

People aged 50 and older need 4 doses for full protection. You should take 3 doses within 3 months. The fourth dose is taken 5–12 months after the third dose.

To maintain protection, take a booster dose after 3 years and then again every 2–5 years.

Potential side effects from the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine are usually mild and temporary. They can include:

• fever

• a headache

• muscle aches

• joint pain

• vomiting

• nausea

• tiredness

• pain where the needle went in