Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine – Malvern Travel Clinic

Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine: Essential for Safe European Travel

As warmer months approach, many UK travellers look forward to outdoor holidays in Europe — from cycling in Austria to walking through the forests of Sweden. While these experiences offer unforgettable memories, it’s important to be aware of a hidden health risk: tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).

At Malvern Travel Clinic, we recommend considering the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine if you’re travelling to areas where this disease is present. TBE is a serious viral infection that’s becoming more common in parts of Europe, making vaccination a smart step for safe and healthy travel.

What Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)?

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral illness affecting the brain and nervous system. It’s transmitted by bites from infected ticks and can lead to:

Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
Spinal cord inflammation (myelitis)
Meningitis

The illness typically unfolds in two stages:

Early phase: Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches (flu-like symptoms)
Second phase (around 1 in 3 cases): More serious neurological effects, such as seizures, confusion, memory issues, paralysis, or long-term disability

Unlike Lyme disease, there is no cure or specific treatment for TBE once infected — which is why vaccination is the best prevention.

Where in Europe Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis a Risk?

TBE is a recognised health risk in several popular European destinations, especially in forested and countryside regions. Countries with reported cases include:

Austria
Germany (particularly southern regions like Bavaria)
Switzerland
Sweden, Norway, and Finland
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Poland
Slovenia
Selected regions in France and the Netherlands

The risk is highest between spring and early autumn, when ticks are most active. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and mountain biking increase your chances of exposure.

How Does the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Help?

The TBE vaccine offers strong, reliable protection and is inactivated — meaning it contains no live virus and is safe for both adults and children over 1 year old.

The vaccine schedule usually follows:

First two doses: At least two weeks apart for short-term cover
Third dose: Given 5–12 months later for long-lasting protection
Booster: Every 3–5 years to maintain immunity

For those travelling soon, accelerated schedules are available to help build protection faster.

Who Should Consider the TBE Vaccine?

The vaccine is highly recommended if you:

Plan outdoor activities in TBE-affected countries
Enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, or cycling holidays
Will spend long periods in rural or forested areas
Are moving abroad or staying in risk zones for work or study

Even short holidays can pose a risk — especially if you’re venturing beyond major cities.

Practical Tick Bite Prevention Tips

While the vaccine provides strong protection against TBE, combining it with tick-avoidance measures helps reduce exposure:

Wear long sleeves and full-length trousers outdoors
Use DEET-based insect repellent on skin and clothing
Stick to marked trails — avoid tall grass and dense shrubs
Tuck trousers into socks and check for ticks after outdoor activities
Carry a tick removal tool and know how to use it

Ticks often hide in areas like the scalp, behind the knees, under the arms, and around the waistband.

What Should You Do If Bitten by a Tick?

If you find a tick attached to your skin:

Remove it promptly using fine tweezers or a tick hook.
Grip as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards steadily.
Clean the area with antiseptic.
Monitor for symptoms like fever, headache, or rashes over the next few weeks.

While quick removal helps reduce the chance of Lyme disease, TBE virus transmission can happen within minutes — another reason why vaccination is essential.

Book Your TBE Vaccine at Malvern Travel Clinic

At Malvern Travel Clinic, we provide expert travel health services, including tick-borne encephalitis vaccinationstailored to your trip. During your appointment, we will: