VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENT

Many vaccine information statements are 

available in Spanish and other languages. 

See www.immunize.org/vis

Hojas de información sobre vacunas están 

disponibles en español y en muchos otros 

idiomas. Visite www.immunize.org/vis

U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services 

Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention 

Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine:

What You Need to Know

1. Why get vaccinated?

Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine can prevent tickborne encephalitis.

Tick-borne encephalitis, or TBE, is caused by a 

virus that is spread through the bite of an infected 

tick. TBE virus can be found in parts of Europe 

and Asia. TBE virus is not found in the United 

States. TBE is a rare disease in travelers, but people 

traveling overseas to areas where the virus is found 

might be at risk for infection. The ticks that spread 

the virus usually live in wooded areas and are most 

active between April and November. Taking part 

in activities like hiking, camping, fishing, or trail 

running increases the risk for exposure to ticks. 

Occasionally, TBE virus can be spread through other 

ways such as eating or drinking raw milk or cheese 

from infected goats, sheep, or cows. Laboratory 

infections with TBE virus have sometimes occurred.

Many people infected with TBE virus have no 

symptoms, but some get very sick. Early symptoms 

can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or 

weakness. Later, a person might develop an infection 

of the brain (encephalitis) or lining of the brain and 

spinal cord (meningitis).

 Symptoms of encephalitis can include drowsiness, 

confusion, or problems with motor abilities, such 

as paralysis.

 Symptoms of meningitis can include fever, 

headache, and a stiff neck.

Some people who recover from TBE have longterm problems, such as difficulties with memory or 

concentration or more severe problems like paralysis 

of arms or legs or difficulty speaking.

In very severe cases, TBE can lead to death.

2. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine

TBE vaccine is recommended for people who are 

moving or traveling outside the United States to 

a place where TBE virus spreads and will have 

extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned 

outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may also be considered for people 

moving or traveling to a place where TBE virus 

spreads and might take part in activities in areas 

ticks are likely to be found. In this case, the decision 

about vaccination should be based on factors 

like where the person is traveling, their planned 

activities, any risk factors for more severe disease, 

and personal perception and tolerance of risk.

TBE vaccine is recommended for many laboratory 

workers who might be exposed to the TBE virus.

TBE vaccine is given as three-dose primary series. 

People 1 through 15 years of age get a smaller dose 

(0.25 mL) than people 16 years and older (0.5 mL).

 Infants, children, and adolescents 1 through 

15 years of age should get their second dose 1 to 

3 months after the first dose, with the third dose 

5 to 12 months after the second dose.

 Older adolescents and adults 16 years and older 

should get the second dose 14 days to 3 months 

after the first dose, and the third dose 5 to 

12 months after the second dose.

A booster dose (fourth dose) may be given at least 

3 years after the third dose for people who are at risk 

of ongoing exposure or re-exposure to TBE virus.

TBE vaccine may be given at the same time as other 

vaccines.
OFFICE 

USE 12/7/2023 ONLY

Vaccine Information Statement

Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine

3. Talk with your health 

care provider

Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting 

the vaccine:

 Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose 

of TBE vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening 

allergies

In some cases, your health care provider may decide 

to postpone TBE vaccination until a future visit.

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be 

vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill 

should usually wait until they recover before getting 

TBE vaccine.

Your health care provider can give you more 

information.

4. Risks of a vaccine reaction

 Soreness or pain where the shot is given 

can happen.

 Headache, fever, or restlessness were some of the 

most common reactions in infants, children, and 

adolescents 1 through 15 years of age.

 Tiredness, headache, and muscle aches were some 

of the most common reactions in people 16 years 

of age and older.

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, 

including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel 

dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance 

of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other 

serious injury, or death.

5. What if there is a serious 

problem?

An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated 

person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a 

severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face 

and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, 

dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person 

to the nearest hospital.

For other signs that concern you, call your health 

care provider.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine 

Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your 

health care provider will usually file this report, or 

you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at 

www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS 

is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff 

members do not give medical advice.

6. How can I learn more?

 Ask your health care provider.

 Call your local or state health department.

 Visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

website for vaccine package inserts and additional 

information at www.fda.gov/vaccines-bloodbiologics/vaccines.

 Contact the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC):

-Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or

-Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/tick-borneencephalitis/index.html.