Travel Vaccine

Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine in Highfield Pharmacy

Same-Day Appointments Available for Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccination

Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine

£75

ⓘ Vaccination requirements may vary by country. Please consult with the pharmacy before booking.

About Us

About Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccination

The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is an inactivated viral vaccine that provides highly effective protection against the TBE virus. The standard course consists of three doses: the first at your initial appointment, the second 1–3 months later, and the third 5–12 months after that. Protection is expected to begin approximately two weeks after the second dose. However, completing the full course is required for long-term protection. For urgent travel, an accelerated schedule is available with the second dose given just 2 weeks after the first.
How It Works

How Our Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine Service Works

Book an Appointment

Call or book online to schedule your travel health consultation with us. We recommend booking 6–8 weeks before departure for the standard TBE vaccination course. You can also avail same-day appointments for urgent travel.

1

Attend Your Consultation

Our pharmacists review your plans, give the first TBE dose, schedule follow-ups, and provide travel and tick-bite advice.

2

Complete Your Course

Attend all follow-ups to complete your vaccination. Protection starts about 2 weeks after the second dose. The third dose ensures long-term protection, and a booster is advised 3 years later if at risk.

3
Vaccine Overview

What Is Tick-borne Encephalitis?

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection transmitted through bites from infected ticks, primarily the Ixodes species found in forested areas. The virus attacks the central nervous system and can cause serious neurological complications. It includes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and spinal cord (myelitis).

How Encephalitis? Spreads:

  • Bites from infected mosquitoes or ticks carrying encephalitis viruses
  • Transmission through mosquito species active during evening or nighttime
  • Exposure in rural, forested, or agricultural areas with standing water
  • Contact with infected animals such as pigs, birds, or small mammals
  • Consumption of unpasteurised dairy products in rare cases

High-Risk Destinations Include:

  • Rural areas of Southeast Asia including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
  • India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other parts of South Asia
  • China, Japan, and South Korea in agricultural regions
  • Pacific Islands with high mosquito activity
  • Scandinavia
Vaccine Importance

Importance Of Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine Vaccination

The TBE vaccine provides over 95% protection after completing the full course. It’s one of the most effective travel vaccines available. With no specific antiviral treatment for TBE, prevention through vaccination is crucial.

Why Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine matters:

Severe complications

Up to 20% of TBE cases result in long-term neurological problems including paralysis, cognitive impairment, and personality changes

Significant mortality

Fatal in 1–2% of cases, higher in older adults

No cure

Treatment focuses on symptom management only—prevention is the only defence

Increasing incidence

Cases rising across Europe due to climate change and increased outdoor activities

Long recovery

Neurological symptoms can persist for months or permanently

Peace of mind

Travel confidently to stunning European countryside destinations

Eligibility

Who Should Get The TBE Vaccine?

TBE vaccination is recommended for anyone travelling to endemic areas who will spend time in forested or rural environments. Our travel health specialists assess your itinerary, season, planned activities, and duration of travel to determine your individual risk level.

Recommended

TBE Vaccination Is Strongly Recommended For

Hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts visiting endemic regions

Cyclists touring through European countryside

Forestry workers, agricultural workers, and field researchers

Military personnel deployed to endemic areas

Long-stay travellers in rural Central or Eastern Europe

Anyone with extended countryside exposure during tick season

Families planning summer holidays in endemic woodland areas

Suitable

The Vaccine Is Suitable For

Adults and children from 1 year of age

Elderly travellers requiring protection

Pregnant women after individual risk assessment

Individuals planning repeated or annual travel to endemic regions requiring booster protection

Important

Who Should Not Receive The Vaccine

Children under 1 year of age

Individuals with acute febrile illness until fully recovered

People with immunosuppression who may have reduced vaccine response and require specialist assessment

Individuals with previous severe allergic reaction to tick-borne encephalitis vaccine or its components including egg or chick protein

Symptoms

Symptoms Of Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Around 70% of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) infections cause no symptoms or only mild flu-like illness. However, approximately 20–30% progress to a severe neurological phase that can become life-threatening.

First phase (2–28 days after tick bite)

  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, and fatigue
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • General malaise and loss of appetite
  • Symptoms usually last 2–7 days before a symptom-free period
Second Phase (Severe Cases — Occurs In 20–30% Of Infections)
  • High fever returning after brief improvement
  • Severe headache and neck stiffness
  • Confusion, disorientation, or personality changes
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Tremors, seizures, or paralysis
  • Dizziness and coordination problems
  • Coma in the most severe cases
Long-Term Complications Can Include
  • Persistent headaches and fatigue lasting months or years
  • Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
  • Personality changes and mood disorders
  • Permanent paralysis or movement disorders
  • Speech difficulties
  • Balance and coordination problems

Serious side effects are extremely rare. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, severe swelling of face or throat, widespread rash, or signs of allergic reaction.

Side Effects

Side Effects Of TBE Vaccination

The TBE vaccine is generally well-tolerated. Most side effects are mild and resolve quickly, providing strong protection against serious disease.

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site
  • Headache
  • Tiredness or general feeling of being unwell
  • Muscle aches
  • Mild fever (especially in children)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Joint pain
  • Dizziness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Side effects typically appear within 24–48 hours
  • Most resolve within 2–3 days
  • You can continue normal activities after vaccination
  • Complete the full course for optimal long-term protection
  • Pain relief like paracetamol can manage discomfort if needed

Book Your Vaccine Today

Same-day appointments available with qualified travel health professionals.

Book Appointment
Why Choose Us

Why Choose Our Travel Clinic in Highfield Pharmacy

Experienced Travel Health Specialists

Our pharmacists hold advanced qualifications in travel medicine. They remain updated with guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, WHO, and National Travel Health Network and Centre. We deliver evidence-based recommendations specific to your travel plans.

Same-Day Appointments

Flexible scheduling with same-day availability for urgent travel needs. We recommend booking 6–8 weeks before departure for standard vaccination courses. However accelerated schedules are available when needed.

Complete Travel Health Service

Full range of travel vaccines including yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and meningitis. We also supply antimalarial medication. We strive to be your comprehensive solution for all travel health requirements.

Comprehensive Risk Assessments

Your consultation includes detailed evaluation of your destination, season of travel, accommodation type, planned activities, and duration. You'll receive personalised advice covering all necessary vaccinations, tick-bite prevention strategies, and staying healthy throughout your trip.

Convenient Central Location

Easily accessible from town centre, Langley, Cippenham, Windsor, Maidenhead, and surrounding Berkshire areas. Appointment times to suit work and family commitments.

Transparent Pricing

Clear, upfront costs with no hidden charges. All fees discussed during your consultation for confident planning.