When most people think about travel vaccinations, they often focus on tropical diseases like yellow fever or typhoid. But there’s another serious illness that continues to affect travellers in parts of Europe and Asia: tick-borne encephalitis, or TBE. Many assume it’s a concern only for hikers or outdoor adventurers, but the reality is that the risk can extend to tourists, families and even city visitors during peak tick season.

At Shivas Pharmacy, we provide travel vaccines in Surrey, including the tick borne encephalitis vaccine. If you’re travelling to an area where the infection is found, it’s important to understand the risks, regardless of whether you’re planning a mountain trek or a countryside picnic.

What Causes TBE and How It Spreads

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection that affects the brain and central nervous system. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, most commonly the Ixodes ricinus species in Europe and the Ixodes persulcatus species in parts of Asia. Ticks are typically active from spring through to early autumn, with the highest risk during warmer months.

The virus can also, in rare cases, be transmitted through the consumption of unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals. However, the primary route is through tick bites, which can go unnoticed due to the small size of the ticks and their painless bites.

TBE can cause flu-like symptoms initially, but in severe cases, it may progress to meningitis or encephalitis. Long-term complications can include memory issues, balance problems and fatigue. There is no specific treatment for the virus once it is contracted, which is why prevention through vaccination and tick avoidance is so important.

European and Asian Destinations with Reported Cases

TBE is found in many parts of Europe and Asia, including popular travel destinations where people may not expect to encounter infectious disease risks. In fact, several well-travelled countries now recommend TBE vaccination for visitors spending time outdoors or in rural areas.

Countries with known TBE risk include:

–> Austria

–> Germany

–> Switzerland

–> Sweden

–> Norway

–> Finland

–> Poland

–> Czech Republic

–> Estonia

–> Lithuania

–> Latvia

–> Russia

–> China

–> Japan

Even regions such as southern Germany and coastal areas of the Baltics report regular cases during the warmer months. If you’re planning a walking holiday, cycling tour, camping trip or extended countryside stay in any of these areas, the tick borne encephalitis vaccine may be advised.

Activities That Increase Risk (Even in Cities and Campsites)

TBE is often associated with forest hikes and mountain treks, but you don’t need to be deep in the wilderness to be at risk. Ticks thrive in grassy areas, parks, meadows and woodland edges — all of which can be found within or near urban centres.

Activities that may expose you to tick bites include:

–> Walking or cycling on rural trails

–> Camping or staying in cabins surrounded by forest

–> Picnicking in grassy fields

–> Attending open-air festivals in countryside locations

–> Playing outdoor sports or spending time in parks

Even dog walking or letting children play in fields or meadows can increase exposure. It’s also worth noting that ticks can attach themselves to clothing or pets and remain unnoticed for hours before feeding. Because of this, anyone spending time outdoors in risk areas should take appropriate precautions.

At Shivas Pharmacy, our travel clinic assesses your full itinerary, not just your destination country. If you’ll be spending time outdoors or in contact with nature, we may recommend the tick borne encephalitis vaccine to reduce your risk.

How the Vaccine Protects You

The tick borne encephalitis vaccine is a highly effective way to protect against the virus. It is given as a course of two or three doses, depending on how soon you need protection. The first two doses are typically given one to three months apart, with full immunity developing shortly after the second dose. A third dose, given five to twelve months later, provides long-term protection for several years.

The vaccine is not part of the routine NHS travel vaccination schedule, which means it is usually only available through private travel clinics like ours. We provide the full vaccination course, along with travel health advice and any other recommended travel vaccines in Surrey based on your personal travel plans.

Comprehensive Travel Protection

Tick-borne encephalitis is a serious but preventable illness, and it is not limited to remote hiking trips or adventurous expeditions. Simply spending time outdoors in certain European or Asian countries can expose you to infected ticks. Whether you’re heading on a summer break to Germany’s countryside, camping in Sweden or cycling through Eastern Europe, you may benefit from the tick borne encephalitis vaccine.

At Shivas Pharmacy, we offer comprehensive travel vaccines in Surrey, including protection against tick-borne diseases. If you’re unsure whether you need the TBE vaccine or want to discuss your travel health plan, contact our team for a consultation. We’ll help ensure you’re fully protected so you can travel safely and confidently.

This blog was written on behalf of Shivas Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.