Where is a vaccine for ticks available for adults? - briefly
The only licensed vaccine against tick‑borne encephalitis for adults is distributed in Europe (e.g., Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland) and select Asian nations, typically through pharmacies, travel‑medicine clinics, and national immunisation programmes. No comparable vaccine is currently authorized for adult use in the United States.
Where is a vaccine for ticks available for adults? - in detail
The only licensed immunization that targets a tick‑borne pathogen is the Lyme disease vaccine, which is not currently marketed for adult use in the United States or Europe. No product is approved that prevents tick attachment or bites themselves.
Current status of Lyme disease immunization
- United States: No FDA‑approved vaccine for adults. The former LYMErix (2000‑2002) was withdrawn, and a new candidate, VLA15 (Valneva), is in Phase 3 trials but not yet available.
- European Union: No EMA‑approved vaccine for adults. Clinical studies of VLA15 are ongoing in several EU countries, with anticipated market entry pending regulatory review.
- Canada: No Health Canada‑approved vaccine for adult use. Trials are limited to research settings.
- Australia and New Zealand: No licensed vaccine; research on tick‑borne disease prevention remains experimental.
Access through clinical trials
Adults may receive investigational doses of VLA15 by enrolling in registered studies. Trial sites include:
- Boston, Massachusetts (USA)
- Rochester, Minnesota (USA)
- Paris, France
- Berlin, Germany
- Barcelona, Spain
- Melbourne, Australia
Enrollment criteria typically require age 18 – 65, no prior Lyme disease vaccination, and residence within the study catch‑area. Participants receive a series of three injections administered at 0, 1, and 6 months, followed by a booster at 12 months.
Alternative preventive measures
Because no vaccine exists to stop tick bites, the standard protective strategy relies on personal protection (long sleeves, repellents containing DEET or picaridin), regular body checks after exposure, and prompt removal of attached ticks. Post‑exposure prophylaxis with a single dose of doxycycline is recommended for high‑risk bites within 72 hours.
In summary, adult‑specific tick vaccines are not commercially available anywhere. The only adult‑focused product under development is a Lyme disease vaccine, accessible exclusively through ongoing clinical trials in selected centers across North America, Europe, and Australia. Preventive care remains the primary method of reducing tick‑borne disease risk.