TBE (tick-vaccination)

What is TBE?

TBE stands for tick-borne encephalitis. It is an inflammation of the brain and cerebral membrane. The illness starts with symptoms such as the flu, which initially start to improve again. After around 7 days it turns into a high fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, stiffness of the neck and sometimes even paralysis. There is often permanent damage and, in some cases, the illness can be fatal.

There is no treatment for TBE, only to relieve the symptoms.

The TBE virus is mainly transmitted by ticks biting humans. The virus appears throughout Austria but also in other countries in Central and Eastern Europe. After the bite of the infected tick, it takes 2 to 28 days for symptoms of the illness to appear. TBE cannot be passed on from one human to another.

The TBE vaccination provides great protection against the illness. A bite from a tick can also lead to Lyme disease; there is no vaccination against this disease but there are good treatment options using antibiotics. If you’re outdoors near bushes and tall grass, you should do a “tick check”. Remove any ticks quickly! Take hold of the tick using tweezers close to the skin and slowly pull the tick straight out without squashing it.

Vaccination advice for children

The Impfplan Österreich recommends a TBE vaccination for children from their first birthday. However, this vaccination must be paid for. Health insurance only pays a small subsidy.

Vaccination schedule

First vaccination: After their first birthday
Second vaccination: 4 weeks after the first vaccination
Third vaccination: 5 – 12 or 9 – 12 months after the second vaccination – depending on vaccine

First booster vaccination: 3 years after the third vaccination Additional booster vaccinations: Every 5 years

Vaccination advice for adults

First Vaccination: Any time
Second vaccination: 4 weeks after the first vaccination
Third vaccination: 5 – 12 or 9 – 12 months after the second vaccination – depending on vaccine

In the event that vaccination needs to occur particularly quickly, there is also a quick immunisation schedule with shorter intervals.

First booster vaccination: 3 years after the third vaccination Additional booster vaccinations:
• Every 5 years (those under 60)
• Every 3 years (those over 60)

The protective effects start approximately 2 weeks after the second vaccination. It provides almost 100% protection.

Information and consultancy service

Have you never had a TBE vaccination? Or have not had a vaccination in a long time? Having trouble finding your vaccination pass?