Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccination
Protection for travellers undertaking outdoor activities in endemic areas of Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia.
Overview
Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system, transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. TBE can cause meningitis, encephalitis, and long-term neurological complications.
The virus is found across a wide band of Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, China, and Japan. Risk is highest in forested, rural, and mountainous areas between April and November, when ticks are most active.
At Gloucester Travel Clinic, we administer TicoVac®, the TBE vaccine licensed in the UK. The standard course is 3 doses, with an accelerated schedule available for last-minute travellers.
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
TBE vaccination is recommended for travellers who will be:
- Hiking, trekking, or camping in forested or rural areas of endemic countries
- Working outdoors — forestry, agriculture, or conservation work
- Visiting during spring/summer (April–November) when tick activity peaks
- Spending extended time in endemic areas of Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Baltic states, Scandinavia, or Russia
Vaccine Schedule & Pricing
| Vaccine | TicoVac® (Pfizer) |
| Standard schedule | 3 doses: Day 0, 1–3 months, 5–12 months |
| Accelerated schedule | Day 0, Day 14, then 5–12 months |
| Price | £67 per dose |
| Booster | Every 3–5 years if ongoing exposure |
Tick Bite Prevention Tips
In addition to vaccination, reduce your risk of tick bites by:
- Wearing long sleeves, long trousers tucked into socks, and closed shoes in forested areas
- Using insect repellent containing DEET (20–50%) on exposed skin
- Checking your entire body for ticks after outdoor activities
- Removing ticks promptly using a tick removal tool — do not squeeze or burn
- Avoiding unpasteurised dairy products in endemic areas (TBE can also be transmitted through infected milk)