Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection spread through tick bites in forested and rural parts of Europe and Asia. It’s a genuine consideration for hiking, camping or outdoor holidays in affected regions, particularly during the warmer months. Available with our GPhC-registered pharmacist, no GP referral needed.
What tick-borne encephalitis is, and who is at risk.
Tick-borne encephalitis, or TBE, is a viral infection spread through the bite of infected ticks, mainly found in forested or grassy areas of Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic states, Russia, and parts of Asia including China, Japan and Mongolia. Ticks are most active from spring through to early autumn. In rare cases, the infection can also be caught by drinking unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals. Ticks often attach painlessly, so many people don’t realise they’ve been bitten until symptoms appear.
Most infections start with mild, flu-like symptoms, but in some cases the illness can progress to affect the brain and nervous system, which can be serious. The vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it does not contain a live virus, given as an injection into the upper arm. Vaccination is the most reliable form of protection, though bite avoidance measures remain important alongside it.
Is the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine right for you?
Particularly in forested or grassy parts of Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Russia and parts of Asia.
Risk is highest from spring through to early autumn, when ticks are most active.
Farming, forestry, or other work spending extended time outdoors in affected regions.
Including those visiting family in rural areas of countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic or the Baltic states, growing up in an endemic country does not itself provide immunity.
A lower-dose version is available for children from age 1, particularly relevant for family trips to rural areas.
Full price list available on this page ↓. Prices subject to change, please confirm at the clinic.
How the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine course works.
First dose
Given at your first appointment, ideally at least 6 to 8 weeks before you travel.
Second dose, 1 to 3 months later, or 2 weeks under the accelerated schedule
The standard schedule gives the second dose 1 to 3 months after the first. If you’re travelling sooner, an accelerated schedule can give the second dose just 2 weeks after the first, providing meaningful short-term protection.
Third dose, 5 to 12 months after the second
This completes the primary course and extends protection for the longer term, regardless of whether the standard or accelerated start was used.
Protection and boosters
After the full 3-dose course, protection generally lasts around 3 years. If you continue to travel to risk areas, a booster every 3 to 5 years is recommended to maintain protection.
Book your tick-borne encephalitis vaccine.
Same-day first doses often available. Our pharmacist will confirm the right schedule for your travel date at your first appointment.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat & Sun 9am–5pm (private services only)
Call us
113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG · GPhC Registered
Book — Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination
Veritas Pharmacy · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine prices.
Price per dose. The full course is 3 doses. Prices are subject to change, please confirm at the clinic before booking.
| Vaccine | Course | Price per dose |
|---|---|---|
| Tick-Borne Encephalitis | 3 doses | £65.00 |
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine FAQs.
What does the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine protect against?
How many doses do I need?
How soon before travel should I start the course?
How long does protection last?
I grew up in an endemic country, do I still need this vaccine?
Can children have this vaccine?
Are there any side effects?
Related vaccines and services.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Another vaccine considered for rural and outdoor itineraries, this time across parts of Asia and the Western Pacific.
Learn more →Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Booster
Worth checking alongside this vaccine if it’s been some years since your last routine booster.
Learn more →All Travel Vaccinations
See every destination and vaccine we cover as part of our full pre-travel health service.
Learn more →