- What is the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a TBE vaccine for use in the United States, called TICOVAC™, which is approved for use in individuals age 1 and older.*
To learn more about the TBE vaccine from the CDC, visit the CDC website.
- Who should get the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
- People who move or travel abroad to regions where TBE is widespread.
- Laboratory workers (vaccination is not required for workers handling routine clinical samples).
- Who should not get the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
- People who have experienced severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine or to a previous dose.
- While there are no published reports related to the TBE vaccine and egg allergy, the CDC recommends people with a known severe hypersensitivity to egg or chicken protein should not receive the vaccine.
- What are the side effects of the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
In those ages 1–15, the most common side effects include injection site pain and tenderness, fever and restlessness.
In those age 16 and older, the most common side effects include injection site pain and tenderness, tiredness, headache and muscle pain.
Schedule Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine | Walgreens
Vaccines offered at Walgreens vary by state, age and health conditions. Talk to your local pharmacist about availability.
Recommended for
People moving or traveling to areas where TBE is found
Frequency
3 dose series
Dosing schedule varies by age
Dosing schedule varies by age
What is tick-borne encephalitis?
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a virus that spreads through the bite of an infected tick. TBE virus may also spread to people through eating or drinking raw milk or cheese from infected livestock such as goats, sheep or cows. It can also be transmitted through breastfeeding, blood transfusion and solid organ transplantation.
TBE virus can be found in parts of the region stretching from western and northern Europe through northern and eastern Asia. People who travel to these areas might be at risk for infection. TBE virus is not found in the United States.
Not all individuals with TBE develop symptoms; however, when symptoms do occur, typically 7-14 days after a tick bite, these may include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness. More severe symptoms can also develop such as confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, weakness of the arms or legs and seizures. Severe diseases can also occur as a result of TBE, including infection of the brain or membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
Frequently Asked Questions
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please call 911.
References:
Centers for Disease Control. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). https://www.cdc.gov/tick-borne-encephalitis/vaccine/index.html Accessed 01/24/24.
Hills SL, Poehling KA, Chen WH, Staples JE. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2023. MMWR Recomm Rep 2023;72(No. RR-5):1–29. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7205a1
TicoVac [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Inc. July 2023.