How long does a tick vaccine remain effective in a child? - briefly
The protection offered by a tick‑borne disease vaccine in children typically lasts three to five years after the primary immunisation series, after which a booster dose is recommended to maintain immunity.
How long does a tick vaccine remain effective in a child? - in detail
The protection offered by a pediatric tick‑borne disease vaccine is determined by the immunisation schedule, the specific antigen composition, and the age at which doses are administered. For the most widely used vaccine against tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE), three primary injections are required. The first two doses are given one month apart; a third dose follows six months after the second. This series induces seroconversion that persists for at least three years in the majority of children. After that period, a booster dose is recommended to restore antibody titres to protective levels.
In regions where a Lyme‑disease vaccine is available, the regimen typically consists of two initial doses spaced one month apart, followed by a third dose twelve months after the second. Clinical trials have shown that the antibody response remains above the protective threshold for roughly two years, after which a booster is advised annually to maintain efficacy.
Key factors influencing the duration of immunity include:
- Age at vaccination: younger children may exhibit faster waning of antibodies.
- Vaccine type: inactivated whole‑virus preparations (TBE) tend to provide longer-lasting protection than subunit formulations (Lyme).
- Individual immune response: children with immunodeficiency or on immunosuppressive therapy may require more frequent boosters.
- Exposure risk: children living in high‑incidence areas may benefit from shorter intervals between boosters.
Monitoring serological titres can guide booster timing. If antibody levels fall below the established protective cut‑off, a booster should be administered promptly. In the absence of routine testing, adhering to the recommended booster schedule—every three years for TBE and annually for Lyme—ensures continuous protection against tick‑transmitted pathogens in pediatric patients.