When is the second tick vaccine given? - briefly
The second dose of the tick‑borne encephalitis vaccine is administered one to three months after the initial injection, with the most common interval being one month.
When is the second tick vaccine given? - in detail
The second injection of the tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is administered 1–3 months after the initial dose, depending on the specific product used.
- For the inactivated, whole‑virus vaccines commonly available in Europe (e.g., FSME‑Immun, Encepur), the recommended interval is 30 days (±7 days).
- For accelerated schedules designed for travelers, the second dose may be given as early as 14 days after the first, followed by a third dose 5–12 months later.
The timing is critical for establishing adequate primary immunity. Immunogenicity studies show that a 30‑day interval yields seroconversion rates above 95 % in adults, while shorter intervals slightly reduce antibody titers but still provide protective levels.
Special populations:
- Children (1–15 years) follow the same 30‑day interval, with the third dose at 9–12 months.
- Immunocompromised patients may require a 4‑week interval and an additional booster 6 months after the primary series.
After completing the primary series, a booster is recommended 3–5 years later for most individuals, extending to 10 years for those with sustained high antibody levels.
In summary, the standard protocol calls for the second TBE vaccine dose 30 days after the first, with alternative accelerated options available for urgent travel needs. Compliance with this schedule ensures optimal protection against tick‑borne encephalitis.