When is the first tick vaccine administered?

When is the first tick vaccine administered? - briefly

The initial dose of the tick vaccine is given to puppies at around eight weeks of age, followed by a booster 2–4 weeks later. Subsequent boosters are administered annually.

When is the first tick vaccine administered? - in detail

The initial dose of a tick‑borne disease vaccine is given according to the specific product and the target population.

For the tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine used in humans, the first injection can be administered at any age from infancy onward, provided the individual lives in or travels to an endemic region. The standard schedule begins with a primary dose, followed by a second dose 1–3 months later to establish basic immunity. A third dose, often called the booster, is given 5–12 months after the second to achieve long‑term protection. After the primary series, booster shots are recommended every 3–5 years, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines and local epidemiology.

In canine vaccination programs, the first injection of a tick‑preventive vaccine is typically delivered when puppies are 8 weeks old. A second dose follows at 12 weeks to complete the primary series, and a third dose is administered at 16 weeks. After this series, an annual revaccination is required to maintain immunity against tick‑borne pathogens such as Lyme disease.

Key timing points:

  • Human TBE vaccine: first injection at any age, second dose 1–3 months later, third dose 5–12 months after the second.
  • Dog tick vaccine: first injection at 8 weeks, second at 12 weeks, third at 16 weeks, then yearly boosters.

Adhering to these schedules ensures optimal seroconversion and protection against diseases transmitted by ticks.