tick borne encephalitis virus at a glance
Medicine class
Inactivated whole-virus vaccine
Licensed age group
The selected TicoVac product is licensed for people aged 16 years and over.
Administration
Normally injected into the upper-arm muscle by a trained healthcare professional.
Travel access
Travel vaccination is not routinely free on the NHS and is available from travel clinics and some pharmacies.
What is tick borne encephalitis virus used for?
The selected product is licensed to prevent tick-borne encephalitis in people aged 16 years and over when vaccination is appropriate under official recommendations.
Protection for people at increased risk through travel, residence or work in affected areas.
It is not licensed to treat infection or as post-exposure prophylaxis after a tick bite.
How does tick borne encephalitis virus work?
The vaccine contains inactivated TBE virus that cannot replicate. Its antigens stimulate antibodies that can recognise and neutralise the virus during later exposure.
How to take tick borne encephalitis virus
A trained healthcare professional normally injects it into the upper-arm muscle. The syringe should reach room temperature, be shaken thoroughly and be checked for particles or an abnormal appearance before use.
It must not be injected into a blood vessel.
A subcutaneous route may be considered exceptionally for certain people with bleeding risks.
Continue tick-bite precautions because vaccination may not protect everyone or prevent other tick-borne infections.
tick borne encephalitis virus side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle or joint pain
- Tiredness or feeling generally unwell
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another severe allergic reaction
- Seizure, encephalitis or meningitis-like symptoms
- New weakness, paralysis, altered sensation or difficulty walking
- Severe visual disturbance or breathing difficulty
- New or worsening autoimmune or demyelinating symptoms
tick borne encephalitis virus in pregnancy
Product-specific pregnancy data are lacking. Use during pregnancy is advised only when protection is considered urgent and after assessing exposure risk and potential benefits and harms. Discuss this with a travel-health clinician, GP or midwife.
tick borne encephalitis virus while breastfeeding
General UK specialist guidance considers inactivated vaccines compatible with breastfeeding. TicoVac-specific milk data are unavailable, and vaccination is recommended only when protection is considered urgent after an individual risk–benefit assessment.
tick borne encephalitis virus interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Discuss relevant medicines and vaccines before administration.
Other injectable vaccines
They may be given at the same visit when officially recommended, using separate injection sites and preferably different limbs.
Immunosuppressive medicines
They may reduce or prevent the expected antibody response; specialist assessment or antibody testing may be considered.
Anticoagulants
They may increase injection-site bleeding risk and affect the choice of administration route.
Common questions about tick borne encephalitis virus
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this a live vaccine?
No. It contains inactivated whole virus, which cannot replicate or cause TBE.
Can it be used after a tick bite?
It is not licensed as post-exposure prophylaxis or treatment. Remove the tick promptly and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.