How often should vaccination against encephalitic tick be given?

How often should vaccination against encephalitic tick be given? - briefly

The TBE vaccine is given in a primary series of two or three doses, then a booster is required every three to five years. Individuals at high risk or over 60 years of age often receive boosters at three‑year intervals.

How often should vaccination against encephalitic tick be given? - in detail

The recommended schedule for immunization against tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) depends on age, vaccine type, and risk exposure.

1. Primary series

   • Adults and children ≥1 year: three doses.
     – Dose 1: day 0
     – Dose 2: 1–3 months after the first injection
     – Dose 3: 5–12 months after the second injection (often 9–12 months for most manufacturers)

2. Booster doses

   • After completing the primary series, a booster is given 3 years later.
   • Subsequent boosters are administered every 5 years for most adults.
   • For individuals ≥60 years or with immunosuppression, boosters are recommended every 3 years.

3. Special circumstances

   • Travelers to high‑incidence regions who have completed the primary series within the past 5 years may receive a single booster at least 4 weeks before departure.
   • Children under 15 years receive boosters every 3 years after the initial 5‑year interval.

4. Vaccine formulations

   • Inactivated whole‑virus vaccines (e.g., FSME‑IMMUN, Encepur) follow the same schedule; minor variations in timing may exist per manufacturer’s prescribing information.

Adherence to this regimen maintains protective antibody titres and reduces the risk of severe neurological disease following a tick bite. Regular review of local health authority recommendations is advisable, as interval adjustments may occur with emerging epidemiological data.