Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: Stay Protected on Your European Travels

If your next adventure involves hiking in Austria’s woodlands or cycling through rural Sweden, it’s important to consider your travel health as much as your itinerary. One growing risk for UK travellers in Europe is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) — a serious viral infection transmitted through tick bites.

At Worcester Travel Clinic, we strongly advise reviewing your TBE risk and considering vaccination before visiting affected regions. This guide explains where TBE is a concern, who needs the vaccine, and how we can help you travel with peace of mind.

What Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis?

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral illness that affects the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. It can cause:

• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• Inflammation of the spinal cord (myelitis)
• Meningitis

The illness usually has two stages:

• First phase: Fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches similar to flu.
• Second phase (around 30% of cases): Neurological issues, including confusion, seizures, or paralysis.

Unlike Lyme disease, there is no specific treatment for TBE, which is why prevention through vaccination is essential.

Where in Europe Is TBE a Risk?

Tick-borne encephalitis is found in forests, meadows, and countryside areas across several European countries, especially in spring, summer, and early autumn. High-risk destinations include:

• Austria
• Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg)
• Switzerland
• Sweden, Finland, Norway
• Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
• Czech Republic
• Slovakia
• Poland
• Slovenia
• Parts of France and the Netherlands

Travellers involved in activities like hiking, wild camping, mountain biking, or fishing should take extra precautions.

How Does the TBE Vaccine Work?

The TBE vaccine provides effective protection and is suitable for both adults and children over 1 year old. It’s an inactivated vaccine, meaning it’s safe and does not contain live virus.

The standard vaccination schedule includes:

• First two doses: Given at least two weeks apart for short-term protection.
• Third dose: Administered 5–12 months later for extended immunity.
• Booster doses: Recommended every 3–5 years.

For last-minute travellers, accelerated vaccination schedules can help establish protection more quickly.

Who Should Consider the TBE Vaccine?

The TBE vaccine is strongly recommended for:

• Outdoor activity enthusiasts: Hikers, campers, cyclists visiting affected regions.
• Families spending time in rural or forested areas.
• Expats and long-stay travellers moving to endemic countries.
• Anyone volunteering or working in agricultural, forestry, or environmental roles.

Even if your trip is brief, if you’ll be in nature-rich areas, it’s worth reviewing your vaccination options.

Tips for Reducing Tick Bite Risk

In addition to vaccination, there are sensible steps you can take to protect against tick bites while outdoors:

• Wear long trousers, long sleeves, and closed shoes.
• Tuck trousers into socks when walking through grass or woodland.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET.
• Stick to marked trails and avoid dense vegetation.
• Perform thorough tick checks after time outdoors.
• Carry a tick removal tool in your travel kit.

Ticks often attach in hidden areas like behind the knees, in the groin, around the waistline, or on the scalp.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you discover a tick:

1. Use fine tweezers or a tick-removal tool to grip it close to the skin.
2. Gently pull upwards without twisting.
3. Clean the area with antiseptic.
4. Monitor for symptoms over the following weeks.

Prompt removal helps reduce the risk of Lyme disease, but remember that TBE virus transmission can occur shortly after the bite.

Get Vaccinated at Worcester Travel Clinic

At Worcester Travel Clinic, we provide personalised travel health consultations, including tick-borne encephalitis vaccination. When you visit us, we’ll:

• Review your travel destinations and planned activities.
• Check your current vaccination status.
• Recommend a tailored vaccine schedule.
• Offer same-day appointments where possible.
• Provide advice on outdoor safety, food hygiene, and insect bite prevention.

We support travellers from across Worcester, Malvern, Droitwich, Bromsgrove, and surrounding areas.

Book Your TBE Vaccine Today

If your European holiday includes outdoor adventures, don’t leave your health to chance. Protect yourself with the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine before you travel.

📍 Visit us at Worcester Travel Clinic
📞 Call now on 01905 453 703
🖥️ Book online