avi medical
    Prevention & Vaccinations

    TBE (Tick-borne Encephalitis) Vaccination

    TBE (Tick-borne Encephalitis) is a viral infection transmitted by ticks. The vaccination provides reliable protection — especially important for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

    • STIKO-recommended
    • Incl. observation at the practice

    What is TBE?

    The abbreviation TBE stands for "Tick-borne Encephalitis." This is an inflammation of the brain, meninges, or spinal cord caused by viruses. These viruses are mainly transmitted through tick bites — especially in defined risk areas (currently large parts of southern Germany, Austria, and Eastern European countries). TBE often progresses without symptoms but can also lead to severe disease courses. The vaccination provides reliable protection.

    WHO IT'S FOR

    Who Needs This Vaccination?

    The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends the TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) vaccination for all individuals who spend time in or live in TBE areas and who may be bitten by ticks. This applies to everyone who spends time outdoors regularly: including walkers, campers, cyclists, joggers, as well as forestry workers and agricultural employees. Urban parks and gardens are also tick habitats. Additionally, a TBE vaccination may be necessary when travelling to foreign countries.

    Three vaccinations are required for primary immunisation. Following the standard vaccination schedule, the second dose is administered one to three months after the first. A third vaccination is then given, depending on the vaccine used, after a further 5 to 12 or 9 to 12 months. To ensure protection from the start of the tick season in April of the current year, it is advisable to begin the vaccination series during the winter months.

    Booster vaccinations are required either every 3 or 5 years, depending on your age.

    VACCINATION SCHEDULE

    How the Vaccination Works

    The TBE vaccine is an inactivated vaccine. The vaccination is administered into the deltoid muscle of your upper arm.

    The most frequently reported vaccination reactions are pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. These complaints also occur with other vaccinations and indicate that the body is responding to the vaccine.

    Within the first four days after vaccination, general symptoms such as a rise in temperature and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, malaise, or gastrointestinal complaints may occur.

    As a rule, the reactions described subside quickly and without lasting effects. They occur primarily after the first vaccination and less frequently with subsequent doses.

    NEXT STEPS

    What You Can Do Now

    To check whether you are protected or whether a vaccination would be advisable, simply make an appointment for a vaccination status review at one of our avi practices and discuss the matter with our medical team. The team will advise you in detail as to whether you are already protected or whether you should receive a vaccination. The doctors will also check whether there are further vaccinations that would be beneficial for you, and will administer these directly where appropriate.

    VACCINATION PROCESS

    How it works at avi

    We provide comprehensive information about the vaccination and are available for all your questions.

    1. 1

      Information Consultation

      We inform you about the vaccination, possible side effects, and answer all your questions.

    2. 2

      History & Vaccination Advice

      We review your vaccination status, pre-existing conditions, and allergies to ensure safe administration.

    3. 3

      Vaccination

      The vaccination is administered with minimal pain into the upper arm muscle.

    4. 4

      Observation Period

      You stay in the practice briefly for safety so we can react immediately to rare immediate reactions.

    PREPARATION & AFTERCARE

    Preparation & Aftercare

    Before the appointment

    • Bring your vaccination record

      So we can verify your vaccination status and document the new vaccination.

    • Clarify acute illnesses

      We postpone vaccination in case of fever or acute infections. Please let us know in advance.

    After the appointment

    • Take it easy

      Avoid intense physical exertion and sports for 1-2 days.

    • Normal reactions

      Local redness, swelling, or mild fever are normal and usually subside within 1-3 days.

    • Report severe symptoms

      For shortness of breath, circulatory problems, or persistent high fever, contact a doctor immediately.

    Side effects

    Redness, swelling, warmth, or mild pain at the injection site. Usually subside within 1-2 days.

    Fatigue, headache, mild muscle aches, or low-grade fever. Usually mild and short-lived.

    In very rare cases, allergic reactions to vaccine components may occur. This is why post-vaccination observation takes place in our practice.

    Severe immediate reactions are extremely rare. We are prepared in our practice and can react immediately.

    Costs & insurance

    Covered by statutory insurance

    Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.

    Private / self-pay

    from €49

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions: TBE (Tick-borne Encephalitis) Vaccination

    At any avi practice. Ideally bring your vaccination record: we check whether you are already protected and vaccinate you right away if needed. If you live in or spend time in a TBE risk area in Germany, statutory health insurance usually covers the cost. Without coverage, the vaccination costs from €49 at avi.

    The primary course consists of three vaccinations. The second follows one to three months after the first, the third 5 to 12 months later, depending on the vaccine. The first booster is due after three years, then every three to five years depending on your age and the vaccine. If you start in winter, you are protected in time for tick season in spring.

    Yes. The vaccines used in Germany have an accelerated schedule in which the first doses are given within a few weeks. This builds protection faster, for example before a short-notice trip. We discuss which schedule suits you at the practice.

    No. The vaccination only protects against the TBE virus. There is no vaccine against Lyme disease, which is also transmitted by ticks. So even if you are vaccinated, check yourself for ticks after time outdoors and remove them as quickly as possible.

    Mainly in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as well as southern Hesse, south-eastern Thuringia and Saxony. There are individual risk areas in other federal states too. The Robert Koch Institute publishes an updated map every year. Neighbouring countries such as Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic also have risk areas.