When should a child receive the first tick vaccine? - briefly
The first dose is given around the child's first birthday, typically between 9 and 12 months of age, followed by a second injection one to three months later. Subsequent boosters are scheduled according to national immunisation guidelines.
When should a child receive the first tick vaccine? - in detail
The first dose of a tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is recommended for infants and young children who live in or travel to endemic regions. National health authorities typically set the minimum age at nine months; some programs allow administration as early as six months when the risk is high.
The initial immunisation schedule consists of two injections:
- First injection: given at the earliest permissible age (≥ 9 months).
- Second injection: administered 1–3 months after the first dose to establish primary immunity.
A booster dose follows the primary series, usually 5–12 years later, depending on the specific vaccine brand and local guidelines.
If a child missed the recommended timing, a catch‑up schedule is possible:
- Administer the missed dose as soon as practicable.
- Maintain a minimum interval of four weeks between the first and second injections, regardless of the child’s exact age.
- Provide the booster according to the adjusted interval, ensuring at least five years from the second dose.
Contraindications include severe allergic reactions to vaccine components and acute moderate or severe illness. Routine monitoring for local reactions (pain, redness) and systemic symptoms (fever, malaise) is advised after each injection.
In summary, the optimal moment for the initial TBE vaccination is at or after nine months of age, followed promptly by a second dose within a few months, with a later booster to sustain protection. Adjustments are permissible for delayed schedules, provided minimum intervals are respected.