How many vaccinations are given for the encephalitis tick? - briefly
The standard tick‑borne encephalitis vaccination schedule requires two primary doses administered several weeks apart, followed by a booster dose after several years. Thus, the initial immunization consists of two injections.
How many vaccinations are given for the encephalitis tick? - in detail
The standard immunisation protocol for tick‑borne encephalitis consists of a primary series of two injections followed by periodic boosters. The first dose initiates immunity; the second dose, administered 1–3 months later, completes the basic protection. A booster is required after 3–5 years, then every 5 years for most adults. Accelerated schedules exist for rapid protection: three doses given on days 0, 7, and 21, with a booster at month 12.
Key points of the regimen:
- Primary series: two doses, interval 1–3 months.
- Accelerated primary series: three doses (days 0, 7, 21) plus a booster at month 12.
- First booster: 3–5 years after the second dose of the standard series, or 12 months after the accelerated series.
- Subsequent boosters: every 5 years for individuals aged 1 year and older; for persons over 60 years, a 3‑year interval is recommended in some regions.
- Pediatric schedule: children aged 1–14 years receive the same two‑dose primary series, with boosters at the same intervals as adults.
Two licensed vaccines are used in Europe: FSME‑IMMUN and Encepur. Both follow the identical dosing schedule, differing only in antigen composition. Immunogenicity data show seroconversion rates above 95 % after the primary series, with long‑term protection maintained by the booster regimen.
Contraindications include severe allergy to any vaccine component and acute febrile illness at the time of injection. Immunocompromised patients may exhibit reduced antibody titres and should be monitored for adequate response.
In summary, protection against tick‑borne encephalitis is achieved with two initial inoculations, a booster after several years, and regular revaccination every five years (or three years for older adults), with accelerated options available for urgent exposure risk.