Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine

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_thumb|left Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine

The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral infectious disease involving the central nervous system. The disease is caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks.

Types of Vaccines

There are several types of tick-borne encephalitis vaccines available, including:

• FSME-IMMUN (also known as TicoVac) - Developed by Baxter International and now produced by Pfizer.
• Encepur - Developed by GlaxoSmithKline.

These vaccines are inactivated vaccines, meaning they contain killed virus particles that cannot cause disease.

Administration

The vaccine is typically administered in a series of three doses:

• The first dose is given at an initial date.
• The second dose is administered 1-3 months after the first dose.
• The third dose is given 5-12 months after the second dose.

A booster dose is recommended every 3-5 years for those who continue to be at risk of exposure to TBEV.

Indications

The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is recommended for:

• People living in or traveling to areas where TBE is endemic, such as parts of Europe and Asia.
• Laboratory workers who might be exposed to the virus.
• Individuals who engage in outdoor activities in endemic areas, such as hiking, camping, or farming.

Efficacy and Safety

The vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing tick-borne encephalitis. Clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance have demonstrated that the vaccine is well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being mild and temporary, such as pain at the injection site, fever, and fatigue.

Contraindications

The vaccine should not be administered to individuals with:

• Severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine.
• Acute febrile illness (vaccination should be postponed until recovery).

History

The development of the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine began in the 1930s, with the first vaccines being developed in the former Soviet Union. Modern vaccines have been available since the 1970s and have undergone continuous improvements in terms of safety and efficacy.

See Also

• Tick-borne encephalitis
• Tick
• Vaccine
• Encephalitis