Vaccine Overview
TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) can be successfully prevented by vaccination. If you are travelling to a high-risk area in Europe where ticks can be found, you are advised to get the TBE vaccine.
Over 100 million doses of FSME - IMMUN® have been administered world-wide since 1979. FSME - IMMUN® is the only TBE vaccine licensed and available in Canada.
Immunization Schedule
Conventional Immunization Schedule :
The conventional FSME - IMMUN® immunization schedule consists of 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 schedule is shown to be 97%. However, 100% protection for future travel can only be assured by completing the 3rd dose as scheduled. If the individual does not receive the third dose as scheduled, they should restart the entire vaccination schedule from the beginning prior to their next trip.
If you are planning to travel in less than 1 month and do not have time for the first 2 doses using the conventional immunization schedule, refer to the Rapid Immunization Schedule below.
Rapid Immunization Schedule :
The rapid immunization schedule also consists of 3 doses (plus boosters) with the difference being that the first and second dose are given 2 weeks apart in order to ensure rapid protection. It is 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%. Note that no meaningful protection is expected after only 1 dose. Also, 100% protection for future travel can only be assured by completing the 3rd dose as scheduled. If the individual does not receive the third dose as scheduled, they should restart the entire vaccination schedule from the beginning prior to their next trip.
Effectiveness
FSME - IMMUN® has been shown to be highly effective at producing immunity to TBE in clinical studies. When used in populated endemic areas, the vaccine has been shown to be up to 99% effective at decreasing the annual number of reported TBE cases.
Safety Profile
FSME - IMMUN® has a good safety profile, as demonstrated by several clinical studies involving more than 4,000 patients. As with any intramuscularly administered vaccine, local reactions or mild side effects can occur. From December 2001 until February 2005, the reported rate of adverse drug reaction was 3.52 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 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 case of 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 or if you are pregnant or nursing.
Ordering FSME-IMMUN®
FSME-IMMUN® is available from your local travel clinic or physician. Please visit your local travel clinic or physician if you are planning on travelling to endemic regions. If you are a physician or travel clinic, FSME-IMMUN® can be ordered by contacting us.
