When should one be vaccinated against tick‑borne encephalitis? - briefly
Individuals at risk should complete the primary vaccination series in early spring, before tick activity starts, and receive a booster every 3‑5 years. If exposure is anticipated later in the season or during travel to endemic areas, the vaccine should be given at least two weeks beforehand.
When should one be vaccinated against tick‑borne encephalitis? - in detail
Vaccination against tick‑borne encephalitis should be planned according to geographic risk, seasonal activity of the vector, and individual exposure patterns. The disease is endemic in large parts of Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltic states, and some regions of Russia and Asia. Residents and visitors who spend time in forests, grasslands, or mountainous areas where Ixodes ticks are prevalent should complete the primary immunisation series before the onset of the tick season, typically in late spring or early summer.
The standard schedule consists of three injections. The first dose is administered at any convenient time, followed by a second dose 1–3 months later, and a third dose 5–12 months after the second. For people who begin the series in spring, the third dose should be given before the peak tick activity (usually July–August) to ensure protective antibody levels during the high‑risk period.
Booster vaccinations are required to maintain immunity. In adults, a booster is recommended every 3–5 years; for children, the interval may be shortened to 3 years. Booster timing should again be aligned with the start of the tick season, allowing at least 2 weeks for the immune response to develop before exposure.
Special circumstances modify the schedule:
- Travel to endemic regions: Initiate the series at least 2 months before departure if possible; otherwise, give the first two doses 1 month apart and schedule the third dose as soon as feasible after arrival.
- Occupational exposure (forestry workers, hunters, soldiers): Begin immunisation well before the annual activity peak; consider an accelerated schedule (0, 1, and 2 months) followed by a booster 6 months later.
- Immunocompromised patients: Follow the standard schedule but monitor antibody titres; additional booster doses may be needed.
- Pregnancy: Inactivated TBE vaccines are considered safe; vaccinate according to the same timing principles, avoiding the first trimester if possible.
Contraindications include severe allergic reactions to vaccine components and acute moderate or severe illness. Mild febrile illness does not preclude administration.
In summary, initiate the three‑dose primary series before the start of the tick season, schedule the final dose to precede peak activity, and maintain immunity with regular boosters timed to ensure protection during periods of highest exposure. Adjustments for travel, occupational risk, and health status should be incorporated into the individual plan.