Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, primarily found in forested regions of Europe and Asia. It can lead to severe neurological complications, making prevention important for individuals in or traveling to affected areas. A vaccine is available to help prevent TBE.
Understanding Tick-borne Encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis is caused by the TBE virus, transmitted by infected ticks. Initial symptoms often mimic the flu, including fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. These symptoms appear within a week or two after a tick bite.
For some, the illness progresses to a more severe second phase after a symptom-free period. This phase involves neurological complications like meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or encephalitis, inflammation of the brain itself. These severe forms can lead to long-term neurological problems, and there is no specific treatment for TBE once an infection occurs.
The TBE Vaccine Explained
The TBE vaccine is an inactivated, or “killed,” virus vaccine. It contains TBE virus particles treated so they cannot cause disease but still retain their antigenic properties.
The body’s immune system recognizes these particles as foreign and produces specific antibodies against the TBE virus. These antibodies provide a protective defense, preparing the immune system to quickly neutralize the actual virus if a vaccinated individual is exposed through a tick bite. Studies on TBE vaccines show high effectiveness, ranging from 90.1% to 98.9% in preventing the disease.
Who Should Get Vaccinated and When
Vaccination against TBE is recommended for individuals who live in or plan to travel to TBE-endemic regions, including forested areas in central, eastern, and northern Europe, eastern Russia, and East Asia. People engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, forestry work, or military training in these areas face a higher risk of exposure.
The primary vaccination schedule involves three doses. For individuals aged 16 and older, the first two doses are given 14 days to three months apart, with the third dose 5 to 12 months after the second. Children aged 1 to 15 years follow a similar schedule, with the first two doses 1 to 3 months apart and the third dose 5 to 12 months after the second. For optimal protection, the complete primary series should be finished at least one week before potential exposure. A booster dose may be recommended at least three years after completing the primary series if ongoing exposure is anticipated.
Safety and Possible Reactions
The TBE vaccine has an established safety profile for children and adults. Like most vaccines, it can cause mild and temporary side effects. The most common local reactions include tenderness and pain at the injection site.
Systemic reactions can also occur, such as fatigue, headache, and muscle pain in adults, while children may experience headache and fever. These reactions typically appear shortly after vaccination and usually resolve within one to two days. Serious allergic reactions are rare but can occur, as with any vaccine. The protective benefits of vaccination against TBE outweigh these potential mild reactions for individuals at risk of exposure.