TBE vaccination

What is TBE?

The abbreviation TBE stands for “tick-borne encephalitis”. This is an inflammation of the brain, meninges or spinal cord caused by viruses. These viruses are usually transmitted by tick bites. TBE occurs primarily in southern Germany, and the main transmission period is between April and November.

After being bitten by a tick infected with TBE, approximately one in three develops flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting or dizziness. However, around every tenth patient experiences a second peak of illness involving the central nervous system after about a week. Complications such as paralysis, altered consciousness and even coma can occur and remain permanent. In Germany, adults aged 40 and over are the most likely to fall ill.

Who and when should be vaccinated?

The Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccination against TBE to all people who live in or live in TBE areas and could be bitten by ticks. This applies to everyone who frequently spends time in nature: This includes walkers, campers, cyclists, joggers, but also forest workers and agricultural workers. City parks and gardens are also habitats for ticks. In addition, a TBE vaccination may be necessary when traveling to foreign countries.

Three vaccinations are required for primary immunization. According to the usual vaccination schedule, the second dose is given one to three months after the first vaccination. A third vaccination is then given after a further 5 to 12 or 9 to 12 months, depending on the vaccine used.
In order to be protected for the current year right from the start of the tick season from April, it makes sense to start the vaccination series in the winter months.

Boosters are required after either 3 or 5 years, depending on your age.

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How is vaccination carried out and what must be considered?

TBE vaccination is a dead vaccine. The vaccination is done in your upper arm muscle.

Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site are described as the most common vaccination reactions. These symptoms also occur with other vaccinations and indicate that the body is dealing with the vaccine.

Within the first four days after vaccination, general symptoms such as an increase in temperature and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, discomfort or gastrointestinal problems may occur.

As a rule, the described reactions to the vaccination subside quickly and without consequences. They occur primarily during the first vaccination and less frequently during subsequent vaccinations.

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What should I do?

To check whether you have vaccination protection or whether vaccination would make sense, simply arrange a Vaccination status check appointment in one of our avi practices and talk to our team of doctors. The team will give you detailed advice on whether you are already protected or whether you should receive a vaccination. The doctors will also check whether there are any other vaccinations that would be useful for you and will carry them out directly if necessary.