TBE vaccine

Individuals planning to spend extensive time outdoors in areas with a known risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), especially those prone to tick bites, should consider vaccination before traveling to Norway or other European countries where TBE is endemic. According to current knowledge, the highest risk of TBE infection in Norway is in coastal areas in the following counties: Agder, Vestfold, Telemark, Akershus, and Østfold.

• The TBE vaccine has a protective effect of approximately 95 % against tick-borne encephalitis after completing the vaccination schedule.
• The vaccine is injected into the upper arm (intramuscularly in the deltoid area) and can be given to people over 1 year of age.
• Primary vaccination consists of 2 doses with an interval of 1-3 months. The interval between the 1st and 2nd dose can be reduced to 14 days if rapid protection is required. The third dose is given after 5 – 12 months (before the next season) if continued protection is required.
• For individuals over 60 years old and those with immunodeficiency conditions (including immunosuppressive treatment), the primary vaccination consists of 3 doses. It has recently been shown that the best response is achieved when the doses are administered with a short interval, on day 0, day 7, and approximately day 30. A fourth dose is given after 5-12 months, if further protection is needed.
• If continued protection is required, a booster dose of TBE vaccine is given after 3 years, and thereafter every 3-5 years. In general, the booster dose interval should not exceed 3 years for people over 60 years.
• The vaccine does not protect against tick bites or Lyme borreliosis, which is caused by bacteria.