Cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) have increased in Western Uusimaa – the wellbeing services county reminds residents of vaccination protection
In Western Uusimaa, 25 cases of tick-borne encephalitis have already been confirmed this year, compared with 15 at the corresponding time last year. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against tick-borne encephalitis.
During early summer, the number of confirmed cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Western Uusimaa has been clearly higher than at the same time last year. TBE is a viral disease transmitted by ticks and often leads to hospitalisation. The most effective way to protect against infection is to take the TBE vaccine.
Tinja Lääveri, Chief Physician of the Infection Diseases Unit, reminds residents that vaccination is still beneficial even if the first trips to the summer cottage are already over.
“The tick season continues into the autumn, so taking the vaccine is still worthwhile. If you start the vaccination series now, protection will still have time to develop for the late summer,” says Lääveri.
The primary vaccination series consists of three doses. The first two doses already provide good protection.
People spending the summer at their cottage may be entitled to free vaccination
During the summer, many people spend time in areas where the risk of TBE infection is higher than in their own area of residence.
“Not everyone is aware that the location of a summer cottage may also entitle them to free TBE vaccination. If you are spending the summer in a high-risk area, you should check whether you are eligible for free vaccination and where you can get vaccinated,” says Lääveri.
Free TBE vaccination is available to people who live in or own a permanent summer residence in a high-risk area defined by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). If the right to vaccination is based on the location of the summer cottage, the vaccine is administered in that municipality. For example, those who spend their summer in Porkkala are vaccinated in Kirkkonummi.
The TBE vaccine is also available at your own expense
If you are not eligible for free TBE vaccination, you can obtain the vaccine at your own expense. You should assess your personal need for vaccination based on where and how often you spend time outdoors in nature.
A prescription is required for the vaccine. You can obtain one, for example, from your health station or via Lunna. Vaccination appointments can be booked through your health station either online or by phone.
Read more and check the vaccination practices in your area here: luvn.fi/en/tbe-vaccinations
You can check area-specific recommendations in THL’s map service: TBE-rokotusohjelma (in Finnish)(external link)
More information about the vaccine is available on the THL website in Finnish and in Swedish: TBE vaccine(external link)
Protect yourself against ticks even after vaccination
It is also good to remember that the vaccine does not protect against tick bites or Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection. 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.
Learn more: Stay protected during the summer - THL(external link)
Further information
Tinja Lääveri
Chief Physician of the Infectious Diseases Unit
Tel: 040 6442804
Email: tinja.laaveri@luvn.fi