How many times is a tick vaccine given to children? - briefly
Children receive the tick vaccine in a primary series of two injections, usually administered one month apart, followed by a booster dose after twelve months if continued protection is required.
How many times is a tick vaccine given to children? - in detail
The vaccine against tick‑borne encephalitis is administered to children in a primary series of two injections. The first dose is given at the age recommended by national immunisation programmes, typically between 12 and 24 months. The second dose follows 1 year later, establishing the basic protective immunity.
A booster dose is required to maintain protection. The interval between the second dose and the first booster ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the country’s schedule and the child’s risk exposure. After the initial booster, subsequent boosters are recommended every 3–5 years for continued immunity.
If a child misses a scheduled dose, the series can be resumed without restarting:
- One missed dose – give the next dose as soon as possible, then continue with the standard interval.
- Two missed doses – administer the first missed dose, wait 1 month, give the second, then proceed with the regular schedule.
The vaccine is contraindicated in children with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the formulation. Mild fever or local soreness may occur after injection and does not require postponement of subsequent doses.
Efficacy data show that the two‑dose primary series yields seroprotection rates above 95 % in the pediatric population, and boosters sustain protective antibody levels for the duration of the recommended interval.