The Vaccine FSME-IMMUN

TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) can be successfully prevented by getting vaccinated. If you are travelling to a high-risk area in Europe where ticks can be found it is recommended that you receive the TBE vaccine.

Over 85 million doses of FSME-IMMUN have been administered world-wide since 1979. FSME-IMMUN is the only TBE vaccine licensed and available in Canada.

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Conventional FSME-IMMUN Immunization Schedule

The conventional FSME-IMMUN immunization schedule consists of three (3) separate doses of the vaccine followed by a booster vaccination approximately 3 years after the last dose and every 3 years thereafter. It is not necessary to receive the 3rd dose prior to travel as protection after the 2nd dose of the conventional immunization shedule is shown to be 97%. However, 100% protection for future travel can only be assured by completing the 3rd dose as per the schedule, otherwise, the traveler should begin the schedule at the beginning prior to their next trip.

First Dose	At least 1-3 months prior to travel.
Second Dose	1 to 3 months after the first vaccination.
Third Dose	9 to 12 months after the second vaccination.
Booster Vaccination	3 years after the last vaccination.

If you are planning to travel in less than 1 month and do not have time for the first two doses using the conventional immunization schedule, refer to the Rapid Immunization Schedule below.

Rapid Immunization Schedule

The rapid immunization schedule also consists of three doses (plus boosters) with the difference being that the first and second dose are given two weeks apart, in order to ensure rapid protection. It is also not necessary to receive the 3rd dose prior to travel as protection after the 2nd dose of the rapid immunization schedule is shown to be as high as 92%. However, 100% protection for future travel can only be assured by completing the 3rd dose as per the schedule, otherwise, the traveler should begin the schedule at the beginning prior to their next trip.

First Dose	Approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to travel.
Second Dose	2 weeks after the first vaccination.
Third Dose	9 to 12 months after the second vaccination.
Booster Vaccination	3 years after the last vaccination.

Effectiveness & Safety Profile

FSME-IMMUN has been shown to be highly effective, in producing immunity to TBE in clinical studies. When used in populated endemic areas the vaccine has shown to be as high as 96.4% effective in decreasing the annual number of TBE cases reported in relation to the vaccination.

FSME-IMMUN has a high safety profile as demonstrated in several clinical studies involving more than 4,000 patients. As with any intramuscularly administered vaccine, local reactions or mild side effects can occur in very few cases. However, recent data from evaluating and monitoring the vaccine’s safety from December 2001 to November 2005 reported a rate of adverse drug reactions of only 4.06 per 100,000 doses.

Possible Side Effects

FSME-IMMUN may cause side effects in some persons. Please refer to the product monograph or package insert (attached) for the list of possible side effects and symptoms of serious allergic reactions. As with all injectable vaccines, appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in cases or very rare but serious allergic reactions.

FSME-IMMUN is manufactured using chicken eggs. Therefore, those with allergies or who have sensitivity to chicken eggs should consult their physician before proceeding with vaccination.

Talk to your doctor before receiving the vaccine if you have an autoimmune disease, are pregnant or are nursing, or if you notice any other side effects.