How is a tick vaccine administered to adults: what schedule? - briefly
The vaccine is given intramuscularly as two initial doses four weeks apart, with a booster at 12 months and yearly thereafter. This regimen ensures optimal protection for adults against tick‑borne infections.
How is a tick vaccine administered to adults: what schedule? - in detail
The tick vaccine for adults is delivered by intramuscular injection, typically into the deltoid muscle. A sterile syringe and a single‑use vial are used; the product must be stored at 2‑8 °C and protected from light until administration.
The recommended regimen consists of three primary doses followed by periodic boosters:
- First dose: administered at any convenient time.
- Second dose: given 1–3 months after the initial injection.
- Third dose: administered 5–12 months after the second dose to complete the primary series.
- Booster dose: recommended every 3–5 years, depending on regional risk assessment and serological monitoring.
Each injection contains the full vaccine volume (usually 0.5 mL). The needle length should be appropriate for adult muscle thickness, commonly 25‑25 mm. After vaccination, the injection site should be observed for at least 15 minutes to detect immediate adverse reactions.
Contraindications include a history of severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component, acute febrile illness, or immunosuppressive therapy that compromises response. Pregnant or lactating individuals should consult a healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine.
Post‑vaccination guidance advises avoidance of vigorous arm exercise for 24 hours, monitoring for local redness, swelling, or systemic symptoms such as fever, and reporting any severe or persistent reactions to a medical professional. Serological testing can be performed 4–6 weeks after the third dose to confirm adequate immunogenicity.