TicoVac

TicoVac is used to prevent brain problems caused by tick bites (tick-borne encephalitis) in people 16 years and older.

Like any vaccine, TicoVac may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to TicoVac or any ingredient in the vaccine.

Tell your vaccination provider if you have or have ever had:

• a weak immune system (due to disease, certain medicines, chemotherapy, or radiation).

It is not known if TicoVac 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.

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 TicoVac 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 vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

TicoVac is given in a series of 3 shots. A booster dose (fourth dose) may be given at least 3 years after you complete 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.

Contact your vaccination provider if you miss a booster dose or if you fall behind schedule. You should get the next dose as soon as possible. There is no 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.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

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 for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines for cancer or to prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect TicoVac, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.