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Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral brain infection transmitted by ticks in forested regions of Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and parts of Asia. The vaccine is recommended for travellers spending time outdoors in endemic areas during tick season.

Protects against
TBE virus (Flavivirus) transmitted by Ixodes ticks in forested regions of Europe
Doses
3 doses (0, 1–3 months, 5–12 months); accelerated schedule available
Schedule
Start at least 2 weeks before travel; accelerated 0, 7, 21 days available
Duration
Approximately 3 years after primary series; booster extends protection

What it protects against

TBE virus (Flavivirus) transmitted by Ixodes ticks in forested regions of Europe, Russia, and parts of Asia.

Who should get it

  • Travellers hiking, camping, or forest-trekking in Central/Eastern Europe, Russia, or China/Mongolia
  • Extended stays in endemic rural regions
  • Travel during tick season (spring–autumn)

Not recommended for

  • Severe egg allergy (vaccine is grown on chick embryo cells)
  • Acute febrile illness (delay vaccination)

Destinations where Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is recommended

Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary
Poland, Baltic states, Finland, Sweden rural areas
Rural Russia, Mongolia, parts of China

Full destination guides for Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) travel

Explore our country guides — each covers the full vaccine plan, malaria risk, local health considerations, and FAQs.

Side effects & safety

  • Injection-site soreness
  • Mild fever after first dose
  • Very safe profile

Key facts

  • 1Tick-bite prevention (permethrin-treated clothing, DEET, avoid tall grass) remains essential
  • 2Vaccination does not prevent other tick-borne illness like Lyme disease
  • 3Typically not needed for urban Europe travellers

Need the tick-borne encephalitis (tbe) for your trip?

Book a virtual consultation with a licensed Canadian physician. We'll review your itinerary, issue the prescription, and administer the vaccine at our Toronto pharmacy.

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Frequently asked: Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine

Do I need TBE vaccine for a city trip to Vienna or Prague?

Not typically. TBE vaccination is reserved for travellers with planned outdoor/rural activity in forested endemic regions. Urban tourism rarely triggers the recommendation.

Explore other travel vaccines

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Recommendations vary based on your health history, destination, and planned activities. A consultation with our licensed physician is required before any prescription or vaccine is issued.