When can children receive a tick vaccine? - briefly
The vaccine is authorized for children five years of age or older, given as two injections 2–6 weeks apart. A booster dose is recommended 12 months after the primary series.
When can children receive a tick vaccine? - in detail
Children become eligible for a vaccine that protects against tick‑borne diseases at specific ages defined by regulatory agencies and vaccine manufacturers. The currently licensed vaccine for tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) is approved for use in children starting at nine months of age in many European countries. In the United States, the Lyme disease vaccine under development is expected to be authorized for children aged five years and older, pending trial results.
The recommended schedule for the TBE vaccine consists of two primary doses administered one month apart, followed by a booster dose 12–24 months after the second injection. For a five‑year‑old child receiving the forthcoming Lyme vaccine, the protocol calls for three doses: the first dose at enrollment, a second dose one month later, and a third dose six months after the second.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Completion of the primary immunization series for any other vaccines at the same age.
- Absence of severe allergic reactions to vaccine components.
- No acute febrile illness at the time of administration.
Contraindications encompass:
- History of anaphylaxis to gelatin, sorbitol, or any other excipient.
- Immunocompromised status that precludes a live‑attenuated formulation (if applicable).
- Ongoing immunosuppressive therapy that interferes with immune response.
Healthcare providers should verify the child’s vaccination record, assess for contraindications, and schedule follow‑up appointments to ensure timely administration of booster doses. Parents are advised to monitor the injection site for redness or swelling and report any systemic symptoms such as fever, rash, or arthralgia that persist beyond 48 hours.