How long after a tick bite can a vaccine be administered? - briefly
A prophylactic vaccine should be administered within 72 hours of the bite; beyond this period the protective benefit diminishes sharply.
How long after a tick bite can a vaccine be administered? - in detail
Tick‑borne diseases require prompt assessment after a bite. The decision to start immunisation depends on the pathogen involved, regional risk, and the time elapsed since exposure.
For rabies, post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) must begin as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 hours. The standard schedule consists of doses on day 0 (the day of the bite), day 3, day 7, day 14, and a final dose on day 28. If the wound is severe or the bite is from a bat, the first dose should not be delayed.
In areas where tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) is endemic, a rapid‑response vaccination can be offered to individuals with high exposure risk. The first dose should be administered within 72 hours of the bite, followed by a second dose 1–3 weeks later to complete the primary series. A booster is given 5–12 months after the second dose to ensure long‑term protection.
Lyme disease currently lacks an approved human vaccine. The recommended post‑exposure measure is a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) taken within 72 hours of the bite for adults, or amoxicillin for children, rather than immunisation.
Key timing guidelines:
- Rabies PEP: initiate ≤24 h; subsequent doses on days 3, 7, 14, 28.
- TBE rapid vaccination: first dose ≤72 h; second dose 1–3 weeks later; booster 5–12 months after the second dose.
- Lyme prophylaxis: antibiotic dose ≤72 h; no vaccine available.
Immediate wound cleansing with soap and water is a prerequisite before any immunisation or antibiotic regimen. Consultation with a healthcare professional should occur promptly to determine the appropriate course based on local disease prevalence and the characteristics of the tick bite.