How long does a tick vaccine last? - briefly
The protection conferred by a tick vaccine generally lasts about 12 months, after which a booster dose is advised. Certain products may extend efficacy to 24 months, but yearly revaccination remains the common practice.
How long does a tick vaccine last? - in detail
The protective effect of a tick‑targeted vaccine is not permanent. After the initial series, immunity typically persists for about one year in most companion‑animal products. A booster administered at the 12‑month mark restores antibody levels to the peak achieved after the primary course.
In human vaccines against tick‑borne encephalitis, the primary schedule consists of three injections (0, 1–3 months, and 5–12 months). Following this series, protective titers remain for three to five years, after which a booster is recommended to maintain immunity.
Factors influencing the duration of protection include:
- Vaccine formulation (inactivated, recombinant, subunit).
- Species and age of the recipient.
- Health status and concurrent immunosuppressive conditions.
- Frequency of exposure to tick habitats.
Typical revaccination intervals:
- Dogs and cats: booster every 12 months.
- Cattle (e.g., Gavac): booster every 6–12 months, depending on herd exposure.
- Humans (TBE vaccine): booster every 3–5 years after the primary series.
Laboratory studies show that antibody concentrations decline gradually after the peak response, reaching subprotective levels near the end of the recommended interval. Field data confirm that most vaccinated animals or individuals remain protected for the full interval when the schedule is adhered to.
Therefore, the longevity of protection is limited to a defined period—generally one year for most veterinary tick vaccines and up to five years for human tick‑borne encephalitis vaccines—necessitating regular boosters to sustain efficacy.