When can you vaccinate against ticks? - briefly
Give the vaccine a few weeks before tick activity starts, typically in early spring. For dogs, the first dose is administered around 12 weeks of age, a booster 2–4 weeks later, and then an annual revaccination before the season begins.
When can you vaccinate against ticks? - in detail
Tick‑borne disease vaccines are administered according to age, risk exposure, and local epidemiology. The primary vaccine for tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) follows a three‑dose primary series and subsequent boosters.
The standard primary schedule:
- First dose: at any age from 1 year onward, provided the individual is at risk.
- Second dose: 1–3 months after the first.
- Third dose: 5–12 months after the second, completing the basic immunisation.
Booster doses maintain protection:
- Adults: every 3–5 years, depending on the vaccine brand and regional incidence.
- Children: every 5 years after the third dose.
High‑risk periods influence timing. In regions where tick activity peaks in spring and early summer, the initial dose should be given at least 2 months before the expected start of the season, allowing the full primary series to be completed before exposure. For travelers to endemic areas, start the series at least 4 weeks before departure to ensure adequate immunity.
Special considerations:
- Immunocompromised patients may require an accelerated schedule (second dose at 2 weeks, third dose at 4 weeks) and earlier booster assessment.
- Pregnant or lactating individuals may receive the vaccine if the benefit of protection outweighs potential risks, following local health authority guidance.
- Contraindications include severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any vaccine component.
Seasonal timing, age‑specific intervals, and risk assessment together determine the optimal moment to begin and maintain vaccination against tick‑borne pathogens.