At Chelsea Travel Clinic, your health and safety during travel are our top priorities. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a serious viral infection spread by ticks, posing a significant health risk to travellers in certain regions. Thankfully, the tick borne encephalitis vaccine offers highly effective protection, and our experienced team is here to provide the advice and care you need to stay safe on your journey.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, primarily of the Ixodes species. It can also be contracted, though rarely, by consuming unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals. The virus affects the central nervous system, potentially leading to severe complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis.
TBE is endemic in many parts of Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe, as well as parts of Russia and Asia. Regions with significant risk include:
Spring and summer are the peak seasons for tick activity, coinciding with the warmer months when travellers are more likely to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking.
TBE often presents in two phases. The initial phase typically begins with flu-like symptoms, which may include:
After a brief recovery period, around 10-20% of patients may develop more severe neurological symptoms in the second phase, such as:
The severity of symptoms varies, but the second phase of TBE can lead to long-term neurological damage or even death. Immediate medical attention is crucial if severe symptoms develop.
The most effective way to protect yourself against TBE is through vaccination. The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine provides immunity against all three strains of the virus (European, Siberian, and Far Eastern), ensuring robust protection for travellers to risk areas.
At Chelsea Travel Clinic, we offer comprehensive vaccination services tailored to your travel plans. The vaccine is particularly recommended for individuals planning outdoor activities in high-risk regions, such as hiking, camping, or forestry work; long-term travellers or expatriates living in endemic areas; and laboratory workers handling the TBE virus.
Even if you are only travelling for a short period, vaccination is highly advisable if your itinerary involves exposure to forested or rural areas during tick season.
The TBE vaccine requires a series of doses to provide optimal protection:
For those requiring urgent protection, an accelerated schedule is available, allowing for quicker immunity. A booster dose is recommended every 3-5 years for continued protection, particularly for frequent travellers to endemic areas.
Our team at Chelsea Travel Clinic will work with you to determine the best schedule based on your travel plans and health needs.
While vaccination provides significant protection, taking additional precautions can further reduce your risk of contracting TBE. When travelling to tick-prone areas, follow these guidelines:
By combining vaccination with these preventive measures, you can significantly minimise your chances of encountering TBE during your travels.
As with any vaccine, mild side effects may occur following the TBE vaccine. These typically include:
Severe side effects are extremely rare, but our healthcare professionals will review your medical history to ensure the vaccine is safe and suitable for you. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms after vaccination, our team is here to provide guidance and support.
Chelsea Travel Clinic is your trusted partner for comprehensive travel health services. Here’s why travellers choose us for their TBE vaccination needs:
Expert Guidance: Our experienced healthcare professionals provide personalised advice tailored to your travel plans and health history.
Convenient Location: Centrally located in London, our clinic is easily accessible for anyone searching for vaccination services.
Comprehensive Care: In addition to the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, we offer a range of travel vaccinations and preventive advice to ensure your safety abroad.
Flexible Scheduling: We accommodate your busy schedule with convenient appointment times, including accelerated vaccination schedules when needed.
Your safety and well-being are our priorities, and we are committed to helping you enjoy a worry-free travel experience.
Don’t let the risk of tick-borne encephalitis disrupt your travel plans. At Chelsea Travel Clinic, we provide the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine alongside comprehensive travel health advice to ensure your journey is safe and enjoyable.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your travel health needs or to book your vaccine. Whether you’re planning a hiking trip in Europe or an extended stay in a rural area, our team is here to help you stay protected every step of the way.
