Protect yourself against tick-borne encephalitis – now is the time to get vaccinated

Ticks become active when the temperature rises above 5°C. At the same time, obviously, the risk of tick bites also increases. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease transmitted by tick bites. In the worst cases, it may lead to encephalitis, in other words, inflammation of the brain.

The TBE vaccine provides effective protection against tick-borne encephalitis. It is advisable to start the vaccinations well in advance during spring so that you have sufficient protection by summer. 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. Remember to get your boosters so that the protection provided by the vaccine does not weaken.

The primary TBE vaccination series included in the national vaccination programme is free of charge. The vaccine is offered to everyone over the age of three who lives permanently in a designated risk area, as well as to people who spend extended periods there, such as long-term holiday residents.

Tick-borne encephalitis does not occur evenly throughout Finland, and not all ticks carry the TBE virus. Each year, THL reviews the national vaccination programme and the designated risk areas on the basis of new cases of TBE reported to the National Infectious Diseases Register. An area is designated as a vaccination area if a sufficient number of cases are identified there during the period under review.

Even if you do not live or spend extended periods in an area covered by the vaccination programme, you may still obtain the vaccine at your own expense if you wish. THL has also issued vaccination recommendations for areas not covered by the national vaccination programme. In Western Uusimaa, the vaccination recommendation applies to almost the entire region. In these areas, the recommendation is based on the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis and case-by-case consideration. Assess your need for vaccination according to where and how much time you spend outdoors in nature.

You can check area-specific recommendations in THL’s map service: TBE-rokotusohjelma (in Finnish)(external link)

For information on areas covered by the vaccination programme and on how to book an appointment in the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County go to: luvn.fi/en/tbe-vaccinations

It is also good to remember that the vaccine does not protect against tick bites or Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease, but there is no vaccine against it. For this reason, it is important to protect yourself against ticks even after vaccination.

When spending time in tick-prone areas, wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and full-length trouser legs, and use an insect repellent that is effective against ticks. Check yourself for ticks every evening. Examine your skin carefully and pay particular attention to skin folds, behind the ears, and the hair and scalp.  After spending time outdoors, also check your clothing and your pets’ fur for any ticks attached to them.