Tick-Borne Encephalitis & FSME-IMMUN FAQ
- Where is TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) virus found?
- Which individuals are at highest risk of contracting TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis)?
- When is the tick season?
- What if I don't have enough time to take all three doses of the vaccine, is it possible to receive only two doses?
- How much protection would just one dose of FSME-IMMUN provide? Is it worth it to take just the single dose?
- How do I order FSME-IMMUN?
- If I drink non-pasteurized milk in endemic countries, am I at risk of contracting TBE?
Where is TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) virus found?
The TBE virus is prevalent in the Eurasian forest belt of Europe, China, North Africa and Russia. Prevalence is particularly high in regions of Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden, Finland, Russia and former USSR.
Countries where TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) virus is endemic:
- East of France (Alsace)
- Switzerland
- Southern and Central Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, Hesse, Thuringia)
- Austria
- North-Eastern and Central Italy
- Western Hungary
- Albania
- Bosnia
- Croatia
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Poland
- Denmark (Island of Bornholm)
- Southern Sweden
- Southern Norway
- Finland
- Estonia
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Belarus
- Russia and Siberia
- Ukraine
- Northern China
- Japan (Hokkaido)
Vaccination is recommended for persons planning to travel to areas where the disease is endemic. You should consult a travel clinic or physician for protective advice, including immunization with FSME-IMMUN.
Which individuals are at highest risk of contracting TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis)?
Individuals at highest risk for contacting the disease are those planning to travel through areas where ticks are located, such as grasslands and wooded areas. So if you are planning on participating in outdoor activities in these types of areas, you are at risk and should consult a travel clinic or physician for protective advice, including immunization with FSME-IMMUN.
When is the tick season?
The tick season lasts from approximately March until November, with peak activity occurring in the spring and summer months. In some locations, two –peak periods have been observed, with maximum activity in May/June and September/October.
What if I don't have enough time to take all three doses of the vaccine, is it possible to receive only two doses?
Clinical studies have shown that after two doses of the conventional immunization schedule (second dose after 1 - 3 months), the level of protection is 97%. After two doses of the rapid immunization schedule (second dose after 14 days), the level of protection is 92%.
In summary, if unable to complete the entire protocol or the conventional schedule prior to travel, two doses over two weeks should provide adequate protection.
How much protection would just one dose of FSME-IMMUN provide? Is it worth it to take just the single dose?
Based on our experience as well as on current knowledge of the immune response to inactivated vaccines, no meaningful protection is expected after only one dose of FSME-IMMUN.
How do I order FSME-IMMUN?
FSME-IMMUN is available from your local travel clinic or physician. Please go to insert link for a list of travel clinics or physicians in your area. If you are a physician or travel clinic, product can be ordered by contacting us.
If I drink non-pasteurized milk in endemic countries, am I at risk of contracting TBE?
Yes.
