When is the tick vaccine given to adults and how many times? - briefly
Adults receive the tick‑borne encephalitis vaccine before the start of the tick season, typically in two initial doses administered 1–3 months apart, followed by a booster dose after 3–5 years.
When is the tick vaccine given to adults and how many times? - in detail
The adult tick‑borne disease vaccine is administered according to a defined primary series followed by periodic boosters. The schedule varies slightly by product, but the core pattern is the same.
The initial series consists of two injections. The first dose is given at any convenient time. The second dose follows after a 1‑ to 3‑month interval. Some formulations require a third dose to complete the primary immunisation; this dose is given 5‑12 months after the second injection.
After the primary series, long‑term protection is maintained with booster doses. Boosters are recommended every five years for individuals who remain at risk of exposure, such as outdoor workers, hikers, or residents of endemic regions. In countries where a three‑dose primary schedule is used, the first booster is administered five years after the third dose, with subsequent boosters at five‑year intervals.
Typical schedule:
- Dose 1: initial administration
- Dose 2: 1–3 months after Dose 1
- Dose 3 (if required): 5–12 months after Dose 2
- Booster 1: 5 years after completion of the primary series
- Booster 2, 3, …: every 5 years thereafter
Eligibility includes adults aged 18 years and older with no contraindications such as severe allergic reactions to vaccine components. Immunisation should be performed before the tick‑activity season to ensure optimal protection.