When should you give an injection for a tick? - briefly
Prophylactic injection must be given as soon as possible after a tick bite, ideally within 72 hours, and only when the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours or when the area is known for «tick‑borne pathogens». Delayed administration reduces effectiveness and raises infection risk.
When should you give an injection for a tick? - in detail
The decision to administer a prophylactic injection after a removal of a tick depends on several evidence‑based factors. Immediate evaluation of the bite site and identification of the tick species are essential. The following criteria guide the timing of injection:
- Attachment duration exceeds 36 hours, indicating a higher probability of pathogen transmission.
- The tick belongs to a species known to transmit Lyme disease, such as Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes ricinus, in regions where the infection is endemic.
- The patient is not allergic to the recommended antibiotic, and no contraindications exist for the chosen drug.
- The bite occurred during the peak activity season for the vector, typically late spring through early autumn.
If all conditions are met, a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) should be administered within 72 hours of tick removal. Administration beyond this window reduces efficacy and is not recommended. In cases where the tick is identified as a non‑Lyme vector, or the attachment time is less than 36 hours, observation without immediate injection is appropriate, with follow‑up evaluation for emerging symptoms.