How is a tick vaccine administered and what is the schedule for children? - briefly
The vaccine is administered subcutaneously in a three‑dose series: an initial dose at 6–12 weeks of age, a second dose 4 weeks later, and a booster at 12 months, followed by annual boosters thereafter. This schedule applies to all children eligible for tick‑borne disease prevention.
How is a tick vaccine administered and what is the schedule for children? - in detail
The tick‑borne disease vaccine is delivered by injection, typically subcutaneously in the upper arm of the child. The product must be stored between 2 °C and 8 °C, protected from light, and used within the time frame indicated on the vial after reconstitution.
The pediatric regimen consists of three primary doses followed by a booster:
- First dose at 12 months of age.
- Second dose 4 weeks after the initial injection.
- Third dose 6 months after the first dose (or 2 months after the second dose).
A single booster is recommended at age 5 years, then every 5 years thereafter, provided the child remains at risk of exposure to tick‑borne pathogens.
Each injection contains 0.5 mL of the vaccine, administered with a sterile needle of appropriate gauge (typically 25–27 G). The site should be cleaned with an alcohol swab before injection, and the child observed for at least 15 minutes to monitor for immediate adverse reactions such as local swelling, erythema, or anaphylaxis.
Contraindications include a known severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component, a previous episode of anaphylaxis after a tick vaccine, or a moderate or severe acute illness at the time of vaccination. Immunocompromised children may receive the series but should be evaluated by a pediatric infectious‑disease specialist.
Documentation must record the date, dose number, vaccine lot number, and any observed reactions. Parents should be instructed to report fever, persistent injection‑site pain, or signs of allergic response within 24 hours.
Adherence to the outlined schedule maximizes protective antibody levels and reduces the risk of tick‑transmitted infections throughout childhood and adolescence.