Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: Protect Yourself on Your European Adventure
Planning a hiking trip in Austria or a cycling holiday through Germany? If your travel itinerary includes spending time in Europe’s countryside, there’s a health risk you shouldn’t ignore: tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
At West Midlands Travel Clinic, we recommend considering the TBE vaccine if you’re heading to areas where this disease is present. TBE is a serious infection spread by ticks in forested and rural regions. While not as widely known as Lyme disease, it’s on the rise — making proactive vaccination an essential part of travel health planning.
What Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)?
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It can cause:
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
- Spinal cord inflammation (myelitis)
- Meningitis
The infection progresses in two stages:
- First phase: Symptoms similar to flu — fever, muscle pain, headache, and fatigue.
- Second phase (in roughly 1 in 3 cases): More serious neurological issues, including seizures, confusion, or long-term problems such as paralysis.
Unlike Lyme disease, there is no antibiotic or specific medical treatment for TBE, making prevention especially important for travellers.
Where in Europe Is TBE Found?
Tick-borne encephalitis is found in woodland and countryside areas across central, eastern, and northern Europe. High-risk countries include:
- Austria
- Germany (especially Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg)
- Switzerland
- Sweden, Finland, and Norway
- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Poland
- Slovenia
- Some areas in France and the Netherlands
The risk is seasonal, usually peaking between spring and late autumn when ticks are most active. Walking, camping, or outdoor sports can increase your chance of tick exposure.
How Does the TBE Vaccine Work?
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is a safe and effective inactivated vaccine. It protects against the virus without containing any live infection.
The vaccination schedule typically involves:
- Two initial doses spaced at least two weeks apart for early protection.
- A third dose after 5–12 months to provide long-term immunity.
- Booster doses every 3–5 years to maintain protection.
If your travel date is coming up quickly, accelerated options are available to build immunity faster.
Who Should Get the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine?
We recommend the TBE vaccine for:
- Holidaymakers exploring forests, lakes, and mountain areas in affected regions.
- Hiking, trekking, and cycling enthusiasts.
- Campers, anglers, and outdoor sports participants.
- Expats or long-term visitors staying in risk zones.
Even if you’re only going for a short break, if your plans involve rural environments, it’s worth reviewing your risk.
How Else Can You Protect Yourself From Ticks?
Alongside vaccination, following practical tick-bite prevention tips helps reduce exposure:
- Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers when walking through grass or woodland.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET on skin and clothing.
- Keep to cleared paths and avoid sitting in tall grass.
- Tuck trousers into socks for extra protection.
- Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after outdoor activities.
- Carry a tick removal tool when travelling.
Ticks often hide in areas like behind the knees, around the waist, underarms, and scalp — thorough checks are important.
What to Do If You Get a Tick Bite
If you discover a tick:
- Remove it using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal device.
- Hold the tick close to the skin and pull upwards steadily.
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic.
- Keep an eye on your health for several weeks.
While removing ticks quickly may reduce the risk of Lyme disease, TBE virus transmission can occur within minutes, reinforcing the value of vaccination.
Book Your TBE Vaccine with West Midlands Travel Clinic
At West Midlands Travel Clinic, we provide specialist travel health services, including tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations for adults and children over 1 year old. When you visit us, we’ll:
- Review your itinerary and exposure risk.
- Recommend a vaccination schedule that suits your timeline.
- Offer tailored advice on avoiding tick bites and staying healthy abroad.
We serve patients from across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, and surrounding areas in the West Midlands.
Protect Your Health Before You Travel
Don’t let tick-borne illnesses spoil your European adventure. Book your tick-borne encephalitis vaccine with West Midlands Travel Clinic today for peace of mind while exploring forests, lakes, and mountain trails.
📍 Get in touch with us at West Midlands Travel Clinic
