You mainly need the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine if you’re heading to a risk area in Europe and plan to spend time outdoors, such as hiking, camping or cycling through woodland. It isn’t usually needed for city breaks or beach holidays. In this article, we’ll cover who should consider the vaccine, the symptoms to know, how the course works, and where to book locally.
Do You Need the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine for Europe?
Your destination and planned activities will determine whether you need the vaccine. NHS guidance recommends vaccination for people visiting areas where tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is common, particularly if they intend to spend time outdoors.
TBE remains uncommon among UK travellers. However, spending time in forests, woodland and grasslands in affected areas increases your chance of exposure.
You should consider the vaccine if you are:
- Hiking, camping, cycling or hunting in woodland or grassland.
- Travelling to parts of central, eastern or northern Europe between spring and autumn.
- Living or working in a risk area, such as in farming or forestry.
What Are the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Symptoms?
Most people infected with TBE have no symptoms. Those who become unwell may experience symptoms in two stages, although not everyone follows this pattern.
Early Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms usually appear about a week after a bite and often settle on their own. They include:
- High temperature or chills
- Feeling unusually tired
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and general body pain
- Nausea
These symptoms can resemble other common illnesses, so they don’t necessarily mean you have TBE. However, if you’ve been bitten by a tick or visited an area with ticks in the past month and develop flu-like symptoms or a circular rash, ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111. Tell them about the bite or your travel.
Serious Warning Signs
In some cases, the infection can affect the brain days or weeks later. Seek emergency medical care by calling 999 or going to A&E if you experience:
- A severe headache with a stiff neck
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Seizures
- Sudden confusion, unusual behaviour or difficulty speaking clearly
- Weakness or loss of movement in any part of the body
How Does the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Work in the UK?
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is not available on the NHS in the UK, so you will need to pay for it privately through a travel clinic or pharmacy offering the service.
The initial course involves two doses, given at least two weeks apart, to provide protection for travel. A third dose, given five to twelve months after the second, extends protection.
When Should You Start the Course?
Plan ahead if you are travelling during tick season, which generally runs from spring to autumn. Winter can be a good time to start the course if you are planning a spring or summer trip.
Aim to have your first injection at least a month before travelling, allowing time to receive the initial doses. If your departure date is closer, speak to a travel health professional about your options.
Tick-Bite Prevention: How Can You Avoid Bites Abroad?
Vaccination does not prevent every tick-borne infection. You can still catch illnesses such as Lyme disease, so take precautions even after receiving the TBE vaccine.
While outdoors in affected areas:
- Wear light-coloured long sleeves and trousers to make ticks easier to spot.
- Apply an insect repellent such as DEET, following the product instructions.
- Stick to clearly defined paths where possible.
- Check your skin and clothing after being outdoors, including armpits, behind the knees, the groin and the hairline.
- Remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling upwards slowly and firmly.
Book Your Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine at Periville Pharmacy
Periville Pharmacy’s Travel Clinic offers tick-borne encephalitis vaccination, with advice on whether you need it for your itinerary. If you’re after a travel vaccination clinic in Laceby or a travel vaccination clinic in Great Coates, our two Grimsby branches are close by. Book your vaccination today and give yourself one less thing to worry about before setting off on your European adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine for Europe?
Only if you’re visiting a risk area and plan outdoor activities such as hiking, camping or cycling in woodland or grassland. It isn’t usually needed for city breaks or beach holidays.
Is the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine available on the NHS?
No. You pay for it privately, and you can get it from travel clinics and pharmacies that offer travel health services.
How many doses of the TBE vaccine do I need?
At least two doses, given at least two weeks apart, to be protected for travel. A third dose five to twelve months after the second extends protection.
When should I get the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine before travelling?
Have your first injection at least one month before you travel. Winter can be a good time to start if you’re travelling in spring or summer.
What are the symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis?
Most people have no symptoms. Some develop flu-like symptoms about a week after a bite, such as a high temperature, tiredness, headache and aches. A few go on to develop serious symptoms, including a stiff neck and severe headache, and need emergency care.
Where can I get a travel vaccination in Laceby or Great Coates?
Periville Pharmacy’s Travel Clinic serves patients in Laceby, Great Coates, Healing and the surrounding area from its two Grimsby branches.