On this page · 9 sections
- What is tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
- How is this vaccine given?
- Warnings
- Before taking this medicine
- Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine side effects
- Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine dosing information
- What happens if I miss a dose?
- What happens if I overdose?
- What other drugs will affect tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine
Generic name: tick-borne encephalitis vaccine
Brand names: TicoVac
What is tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is used to prevent brain problems caused by tick bites (tick-borne encephalitis) in people 16 years and older.
Like any vaccine, tick-borne encephalitis vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How is this vaccine given?
This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is given in a series of 3 shots. A booster dose (fourth dose) may be given at least 3 years after you finish the primary immunization series if needed. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.
This vaccine contains albumin, a protein made from human blood, and may contain viruses that may cause disease. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines, have any medical conditions, or have allergies.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine.
Tell your vaccination provider if you have or have ever had:
- a weak immune system (caused by disease, certain medicine, chemotherapy, or radiation).
It is not known if the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your vaccination provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a vaccination provider if it is safe to breastfeed while using this vaccine.
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Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
The vaccination provider may want to monitor you for a short time after the injection to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. You will be treated quickly if there is a reaction right after receiving the vaccine.
Keep track of all side effects you experience. If you need a booster dose, you must inform the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.
Becoming infected with tick-borne encephalitis may be more harmful to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
Common side effects of tick-borne encephalitis vaccine may include:
- pain and tenderness where the vaccine was given;
- headache;
- muscle pain; or
- tiredness.
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination:
0.5 mL IM each dosePrimary Vaccination Schedule:-First dose: Day 0-Second dose: 14 days to 3 months after the first dose-Third dose: 5 to 12 months after the second doseComments:-The primary immunization series should be completed at least 1 week before potential exposure to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).-A booster dose (fourth dose) may be administered at least 3 years after completion of the primary immunization series if continued exposure or re-exposure to TBEV is expected.Use: For active immunization to prevent tick-borne encephalitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination:
1 through 15 years: 0.25 mL IM each dose16 years or older: 0.5 mL IM each dosePrimary Vaccination Schedule:-First dose: Day 0-Second dose:---Aged 1 through 15 years: 1 to 3 months after the first dose---Aged 16 years or older: 14 days to 3 months after the first dose-Third dose: 5 to 12 months after the second doseComments:-The primary immunization series should be completed at least 1 week before potential exposure to TBEV.-A booster dose (fourth dose) may be administered at least 3 years after completion of the primary immunization series if continued exposure or re-exposure to TBEV is expected.Use: For active immunization to prevent tick-borne encephalitis
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your vaccination provider if you miss a booster dose or if you fall behind on your schedule. You should get the next dose as soon as you can. You do not need to start over.
Make sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine. You may not be fully protected if you do not complete the full series.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
Before getting this vaccine, inform your vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have had recently.
Also, let the vaccination provider know if you have recently taken any drugs or treatments that can weaken your immune system, including:
- steroids (oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable);
- medicines to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
- medicines to treat cancer or prevent organ transplant rejection.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are mentioned here.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.