Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: Do You Need It Before Travelling to Europe or Asia? 

Planning a trip to Europe or Asia where you will be hiking, camping or spending time in wooded or rural areas? A tick-borne encephalitis vaccine may be worth considering. TBE is a viral infection spread by infected tick bites, and the risk depends on where you are travelling and what you will be doing. 

What Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis? 

Tick borne encephalitis is a viral infection that can affect the brain and nervous system. Early symptoms can include fever, headache, tiredness and muscle aches. In some cases, the infection can become more serious. 

The risk is linked to specific areas rather than Europe or Asia as a whole. Your destination, itinerary and planned activities are therefore important when deciding whether a TBE vaccine is appropriate.

Who Should Consider the TBE Vaccine? 

The TBE vaccine is mainly considered for travellers visiting areas where the infection is more common, particularly if they expect to spend a lot of time outdoors. 

You may want to discuss vaccination if you are: 

Hiking or camping abroad 

Outdoor activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with ticks, particularly in forests, grassland and rural areas. 

Spending time in rural or forested areas 

Longer stays in places where ticks are common may increase your exposure. A travel clinic consultation can help you understand the risk associated with your particular trip. 

When Should You Have the Tick Borne Encephalitis Jab? 

Ideally, start your TBE vaccination course at least one month before travelling. The course involves two doses, given at least two weeks apart, so leaving it until the last minute may make planning more difficult. 

Speak to a travel clinic if your departure is approaching. A pharmacist can review your itinerary and advise whether TBE vaccine travel protection is suitable for you. If your trip includes multiple destinations, it’s worth checking whether you also need protection such as the hepatitis A and B vaccines or a yellow fever vaccination, so all your travel jabs can be planned around one timeline. 

How Else Can You Reduce Your Risk of Tick Bites? 

The vaccine is only one part of sensible tick bite prevention. When outdoors, wear long sleeves and trousers, use insect repellent and check your skin and clothing for ticks afterwards. Avoiding dense undergrowth can also help. 

If you find a tick, remove it carefully using fine tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. The NHS advises grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling steadily upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush it. Vaccination does not protect against every illness that ticks can transmit, so bite prevention still matters. 

TBE Vaccine UK: Where Can You Get It? 

If you are looking for a travel vaccine Surrey service, Ham Pharmacy Group offers travel vaccinations at Ham Parade, Ham Common and Ham Village, all within one mile of each other. The group serves Richmond, Kingston, Teddington, New Malden, Surbiton, Twickenham, Isleworth, Hampton, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, Tolworth, Sunbury-on-Thames, Walton-on-Thames, Esher, Hersham and Worcester Park. 

A travel clinic consultation allows you to discuss your destination, activities and travel dates, and find out whether the vaccine is suitable for your trip. Some destinations may also carry a risk of meningitis, so it’s worth asking your pharmacist whether a Meningitis ACWY vaccine should be added to your travel health plan.

Book Your TBE Travel Vaccine 

Planning to hike, camp or spend time in rural or forested areas? Speak to the travel health team at Ham Pharmacy Group before you travel. They can assess your travel plans and advise whether the TBE vaccine or other travel vaccinations may be recommended for your destination. 

Book a travel vaccination appointment today and get your travel health plans sorted before you go.