Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Key points

  • One tick-borne encephalitis vaccine (called TICOVAC) is available in the United States.
  • Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is approved for use in persons aged 1 year and older.
  • Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine should be considered for some travelers at higher risk of tick-borne encephalitis.
Person who has received a vaccination

TBE vaccine

  • One tick-borne encephalitis vaccine (called TICOVAC) is available in the United States.
  • TICOVAC is given as a 3-dose series:
    • Adults 16 years of age and older should have the first two doses spaced 14 days to 3 months apart and the third dose 5–12 months after the second dose.
    • Children 1–15 years old should have the first two doses spaced 1–3 months apart and the third dose 5–12 months after the second dose.
  • A booster dose (fourth dose) may be given at least 3 years after completion of the primary vaccination series if ongoing exposure or re-exposure to tick-borne encephalitis virus is expected.
Graphic showing timing of tick-borne encephalitis vaccine doses
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination schedule.

Who should get vaccinated?

The risk for tick-borne encephalitis is very low for most travelers visiting countries where tick-borne encephalitis is found. However, travelers are at increased risk if they plan to:

  • Visit areas with tick-borne encephalitis when ticks are most active (April through November).
  • Take part in outdoor activities in or near forested areas such as hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, or birdwatching.

All travelers visiting parts of Europe and Asia where tick-borne encephalitis is found should take steps to avoid tick bites. If you plan to travel during the warmer months of the year and participate in outdoor activities, you should discuss the need for vaccination with your healthcare provider. When discussing whether or not to be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis, consider the following:

  • What locations you will be visiting.
  • What activities you will participate in while traveling.
  • Likelihood of future travel to countries where tick-borne encephalitis is found.
  • Potential severe outcomes of tick-borne encephalitis.
  • Vaccine doses, cost, and possible side effects.

Three vaccine doses are needed to complete the series so you should talk to your healthcare provider as early as possible before travel.

For more information, please visit our Healthcare Providers page.

Where can I get vaccinated?

The public cannot order the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine directly. If you would like to receive the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, you should contact your primary care physician or a travel medicine clinic in your area.

To find a travel medicine clinic, visit our Traveler's Health page.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)