Travel vaccine
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
The TBE vaccine protects against a brain infection spread by tick bites in parts of Europe and Asia, recommended for some outdoor travellers.
What it protects against
It protects against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral infection spread by tick bites in forested parts of Europe and Asia that can cause inflammation of the brain in some people.
Who it's for
Travellers who will be walking, camping or working in forests or grassland in affected areas during the tick season, and some people at occupational risk.
How it works
It contains inactivated virus, given as a course of doses before travel, prompting protective antibodies.
Safety
Safety and side effects
It is safe and well tolerated, with common effects being soreness at the injection site, headache and tiredness. Avoiding tick bites — with covering clothing, repellent and checking for ticks — remains important.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: frequently asked questions
Who should consider the TBE vaccine?
It is mainly for travellers planning outdoor activities such as hiking or camping in forested areas of affected parts of Europe and Asia during the tick season. A travel clinic can advise based on your plans.
Does the vaccine mean I don’t need to worry about ticks?
No. The vaccine protects against TBE, but ticks can carry other infections too, such as Lyme disease, so avoiding bites and removing ticks promptly is still important.
Related
Other travel vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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