Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine

The Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine provides a reliable defence against this viral infection. Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. The disease primarily occurs in parts of central, northern, and Eastern Europe, Siberia, and certain areas of Asia.

We offer a wide range of travel vaccinations with locations across the UK. Whether you need vaccinations for travel purposes or for work, we are here to help you. We offer free travel consultations so you can travel safely and confidently.

£65 per dose

Suitable for ages 1+

Primary course of 3 vaccines

Free Travel Consultations

Stay protected during your travels with our Travel Vaccination Consultation. Our expert medical team will guide you on essential vaccinations, helping prevent diseases uncommon in the UK. Learn how to minimise the risk of exposure and ensure a safe and healthy journey.

What is Tick-Borne Encephalitis?

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. The disease primarily occurs in parts of central, northern, and Eastern Europe, Siberia, and certain areas of Asia. While most infections happen during hiking activities in these regions, it’s important to note that TBE can pose a risk to travellers.

What are the symptoms of Tick-borne Encephalitis?

Symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. The incubation period typically ranges from 7 to 14 days after a tick bite. Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms:

Initial Phase

  • Fever: Sudden onset of fever accompanied by chills and fatigue.
  • Headache: Intense headaches, often located at the front or sides of the head.
  • Muscle Aches: Generalised muscle pain and body aches.
  • Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
  • Flu-like Symptoms: Sore throat, cough, and runny nose.
  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and weakness.

Neurological Phase

  • Meningitis: Severe headaches, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light.
  • Encephalitis: High fever, confusion, disorientation, difficulty speaking, tremors, seizures, and impaired consciousness.
  • Paralysis: Rare cases may lead to limb or facial muscle paralysis.

It’s important to remember that not all individuals infected with TBE will develop symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary. While some cases may be mild and self-limiting, others can progress to severe neurological complications. If you suspect TBE or experience neurological symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Vaccination is available and recommended for individuals residing in or travelling to regions with a known risk of TBE transmission.

How is Tick-borne Encephalitis Spread?

Tick-borne encephalitis primarily spreads through the bite of infected ticks. Here’s how the infection is commonly transmitted:

Tick Bites

The primary mode of transmission occurs when an infected tick attaches itself to a human. Ticks belonging to the Ixodes family, particularly specific species, are responsible for transmitting TBE. When an infected tick bites, it can introduce the TBE virus into the bloodstream, leading to infection.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

In rare cases, TBE can be transmitted through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products derived from infected animals. It’s important to be cautious when consuming such products, especially milk or cheese obtained from goats, sheep, or cows in regions where TBE is endemic.

It’s crucial to understand that person-to-person transmission of TBE is extremely rare and occurs in isolated cases, usually through organ transplantation or blood transfusion from an infected donor.

Who is at risk of TBE?

  1. Outdoor Enthusiasts: Individuals engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, hunting, or forestry work in forested or rural areas with a high prevalence of infected ticks.
  2. Residents of Endemic Regions: People residing in or near areas where TBE is endemic, particularly in parts of Europe and Asia, are at a higher risk due to regular exposure to tick habitats.
  3. Travellers to Endemic Regions: Those travelling to regions with a known risk of TBE, especially during the tick season, may be exposed to infected ticks and are at an increased risk of infection.
  4. Agricultural and Forestry Workers: Occupations involving outdoor work, such as farming, forestry, and park maintenance, pose a higher risk of tick exposure.
  5. Children: Children, especially those spending significant time outdoors, may be at a higher risk due to limited awareness of tick bite prevention and closer contact with tick habitats.

The Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine

The TBE vaccine provides a reliable defence against this viral infection. Here are some key details about the vaccination:

  • Recommended Ages: The vaccine is suitable for individuals aged 2 to 85 years, with specific dosing schedules for different age groups.
  • Doses Required: Depending on the age, 2 to 3 doses of the vaccine are typically administered.
  • Vaccination Schedule: The doses are given at specific intervals, ranging from 0 to 3 months or 0 to 14 days, depending on the accelerated schedule.
  • Time before Travel: It is recommended to complete the vaccination course at least two weeks before your planned travel.
  • Boosters: Some individuals may require a booster dose to maintain immunity. Consult our healthcare professionals for personalised advice.

It’s important to note that the vaccine is most effective when given sufficient time to become active. Even if you receive the vaccine a day before your trip, it still provides some level of immunity.

Tick Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Side Effects

Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccines are considered safe and effective. Adverse reactions are infrequent and limited to mild symptoms. These may include injection site reactions such as a sore arm, redness, swelling, or tenderness. Some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as headaches, nausea and tiredness. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days and can be managed with paracetamol or a cold compress. For detailed information on adverse events, please refer to the patient leaflet accompanying the vaccine.

How much do Travel Vaccinations cost?

Yellow Fever Vaccine (Includes Certificate)

£95

Hepatitis A (Booster after 6-12 months)

£50

Typhoid (Covers for 3 years)

£50

Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio (Covers for 10 years)

£50

Malaria Tablets

£25

Hepatitis B (Course of 3 vaccines – £195)

£65

Rabies (Course of 3 vaccines – £195)

£65

Japanese Encephalitis (Course of 2 vaccines – £250)

£125

Meningitis ACWY (Covers for 3-5 years)

£75

Cholera (Course of 2 vaccines)

£95

Whooping cough vaccine (Pertussis) (Pertussis combined with D/T/P)

£75

Travel Vaccines

Malaria is a life-threatening disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, Asia, and South America. If you’re planning a trip to these regions, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent malaria.

Antimalarial medication is essential for preventing malaria in high-risk areas. Consult with a travel health specialist to determine which medication is right for you. Some medications must be taken several weeks before your trip, so plan ahead.

When selecting a mosquito repellent, make sure it’s effective and safe. Choose a product that contains at least 20% DEET or an equivalent concentration of other active ingredients.

If you’re planning to travel to an area with a high risk of polio or diphtheria, it may be necessary to get vaccinated against polio, diphtheria, and tetanus. The need for a DTP booster shot depends on the date of your previous vaccination.

The polio, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against these three serious illnesses. Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis, while diphtheria and tetanus are bacterial infections that can lead to respiratory problems and muscle stiffness. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against these illnesses, which helps to protect against them.

The hepatitis A vaccine is a preventive measure against hepatitis A, an infection that targets the liver. This disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that is typically not acquired in the UK. This virus primarily targets the liver, resulting in various symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, diarrhea, and nausea. It’s important to note that unlike other forms of hepatitis, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A does not lead to long-lasting liver damage or cirrhosis. However, in rare cases, Hepatitis A can progress to liver failure, which can be life-threatening, especially among older individuals.

The most effective method of preventing Hepatitis B infection is through vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily targets the liver, leading to acute illness and potentially causing long-lasting damage. This global health challenge affects millions of individuals across nearly every continent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 296 million cases of Hepatitis B in 2019, resulting in an alarming 820,000 deaths attributed to liver damage and liver cancer. The highest concentration of cases can be found in the WHO Western Pacific and African regions.

A typhoid vaccination is recommended if you are travelling to an area of high risk, such as the Indian subcontinent, parts of Africa, South America, and other regions with low hygiene standards. The typhoid vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates your body to produce antibodies, enhancing your immune system’s ability to fight against the typhoid bacteria.

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that can have severe consequences if left untreated. It spreads throughout the body, affecting multiple organs and can even lead to complications such as internal bleeding, which can be fatal. It is primarily prevalent in areas where hygiene standards are low.

The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is highly recommended for individuals traveling to regions with a high risk of meningococcal meningitis, including parts of Africa, the Middle East, and certain countries in South America. This vaccine serves as a crucial preventive measure, stimulating the production of antibodies in your body and enhancing your immune system’s ability to combat the bacteria responsible for meningococcal meningitis.

To safeguard against this disease, the Meningitis ACWY vaccine provides protection against four different serogroups of the bacteria: A, C, W, and Y. By receiving this vaccine, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting the disease and potentially protect themselves from its debilitating consequences.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites that is prevalent in certain regions of Asia, including rural areas of China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. If you are planning to travel to these high-risk areas, it is strongly recommended to receive the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine as a preventive measure.

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies in the body, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight against the JEV. By receiving this vaccine, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus and developing Japanese Encephalitis.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs, bats, raccoons, and other wild animals. If you are traveling to areas where rabies is prevalent, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and take preventive measures, including the rabies vaccine.

The rabies vaccine serves as a preventive measure to protect individuals from contracting the virus. It is administered before potential exposure or as a series of post-exposure shots, depending on the circumstances. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for individuals who may be at an increased risk of exposure, such as animal handlers, veterinarians, and individuals traveling to regions where rabies is prevalent.

Yellow fever is a viral disease caused by the yellow fever virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. If you are planning to travel to areas where yellow fever is endemic or where there is a risk of outbreaks, it is important to take precautions and consider getting the yellow fever vaccine.

The yellow fever vaccine is a highly effective preventive measure against the disease. It is a live attenuated vaccine that stimulates the body’s immune system to develop immunity to the yellow fever virus. Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination as an entry requirement, especially if you are arriving from or have recently visited a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. It is primarily found in parts of Europe and Asia, particularly in forested areas and regions with high tick populations. If you are planning to travel to areas where TBE is endemic or engaging in outdoor activities in these regions, it is important to be aware of the risks and consider getting vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis.

The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is a preventive measure that provides protection against the virus. It stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that help fight against the tick-borne encephalitis virus. The vaccine is typically administered as a series of doses and offers long-term immunity against the disease.

Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Cholera is prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation and poor access to clean drinking water, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. If you are traveling to these regions, it is important to take necessary precautions and consider receiving the cholera vaccine.

The cholera vaccine is an oral vaccine that provides protection against the specific strains of Vibrio cholerae responsible for the disease. It stimulates the production of antibodies in the body, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight against the bacteria. The vaccine is typically administered in a series of doses and offers a certain level of immunity against cholera.

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