When is the tick vaccine administered and how many times? - briefly
The primary series is two injections given to puppies or young dogs at roughly 6–8 weeks of age, with the second dose 2–4 weeks later. After the initial series, a single booster is administered annually to sustain immunity.
When is the tick vaccine administered and how many times? - in detail
The tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is administered in a primary series of two injections. The first dose is given at the chosen start date; the second dose follows 1–3 months later to establish protective immunity. After the primary series, a booster dose is recommended every five years for most adults, extending protection for an additional five‑year period.
For children aged 1–15 years, the schedule mirrors the adult regimen: two initial doses spaced 1–3 months apart, followed by a booster at five years. In individuals with increased exposure risk—such as travelers to endemic regions, outdoor workers, or immunocompromised patients—an accelerated schedule may be used. The accelerated protocol consists of three doses: the first dose, a second dose after 7–14 days, and a third dose 5–12 months after the second, then a booster every five years.
Key points of the dosing schedule:
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Primary series:
- First injection: day 0.
- Second injection: 1–3 months after the first.
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Standard booster: every 5 years after the second dose.
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Accelerated regimen (high‑risk groups):
- First injection: day 0.
- Second injection: 7–14 days later.
- Third injection: 5–12 months after the second.
- Subsequent boosters: every 5 years.
Vaccination should be completed at least two weeks before anticipated exposure to ensure sufficient antibody levels. In cases of incomplete primary series, a single dose provides limited protection and must be followed by the remaining doses according to the standard intervals.