Most TBE patients are unvaccinated – get the ”tick vaccine” in time before summer

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases have increased in recent years across Finland, as increasing temperatures have led to a rise in tick populations and expanded their habitats. In the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, the number of TBE cases has also increased. A total of 326 cases were recorded in 2016–2026, which is more than seven times higher than in 2006–2015.

“In 2025, 95% of those who contracted tick-borne encephalitis were unvaccinated or had incomplete vaccinations. Of those infected, 28% would have been eligible for a free vaccine,” Chief Physician of the Infection Control Unit Tinja Lääveri says.

Tick-borne encephalitis often leads to hospitalisation. According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), 73% of TBE patients were treated in inpatient wards and 14% in intensive care between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025.

Vaccination is an effective way to protect against TBE infection: it prevents around 90% of cases. Lääveri reminds that vaccination protection must also be maintained.

“Many people remember to take the initial vaccine doses, but booster vaccinations are often forgotten. To ensure that protection is maintained, it is important to receive the booster on time,” Lääveri says.

The first booster is given three years after completion of the primary immunisation. After this, the booster interval depends on the age of the vaccinee. People over 65 require a booster every three years, as the protection provided by the vaccine decreases more quickly.

The primary vaccination series consists of three doses. Protection does not develop immediately after the first injection, but after two doses the vaccine already provides good protection for the coming tick season. The third dose and subsequent booster doses ensure long-term protection.

Hanna Pettersson from Espoo has already received two TBE vaccine doses and will take the third at the end of the summer. In Pettersson’s view, getting vaccinated is very important, especially in areas where ticks are common.

“We have noticed in our family that the number of ticks has clearly increased in the Espoo area as well. Every summer, more members of our family have had ticks. Five years ago, the situation was different,” she says.

Most of Western Uusimaa is now classified as a risk area where vaccination is recommended for people who spend a lot of time in nature, even if they are not covered by the national vaccination programme. In such cases, the vaccine must be obtained at your own expense.

It is advisable to book a vaccination appointment now so that immunisation has time to develop before summer. The vaccine can be obtained at your own expense by requesting a prescription from Lunna or your local health station. In certain areas, the primary TBE vaccination series is provided free of charge for residents.

The vaccine does not protect against tick bites or Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection. It is important to continue protecting yourself against ticks even after vaccination.

You can book a vaccination appointment through your local health station either online or by phone.

Read more and check the vaccination practices in your area at: luvn.fi/en/tbe-vaccinations