FSME SHOT
The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an inflammatory disease of the brain or
meninx and is triggered by the TBE virus. This disease occurs mostly during “tick season” from
March to November. The TBE pathogens are situated in the salivary glands of the tick and are
contracted when the tick bites its host. The immediate extraction of the tick does not save one
from TBE.
What is a TBE vaccination?
The TBE vaccination is a passive one. The injected vaccine consists of weakened TBE strains that cannot cause the disease. The TBE vaccination can be given to children as of one year. Patients not actively treated with TBE vaccination can also receive a TBE preventive vaccination after being bitten by a tick. This vaccine consists of ready-made antibodies. This “passive” vaccination must be done as early as possible, but no later than 4 days after the tick bite. However, a preventive vaccination at the outbreak of the disease is not a 100% guarantee. Children under 14 may not receive this preventive vaccination
Lyme disease is another serious illness that is carried by ticks and can be found most everywhere. This disease is caused by bacteria, meaning that there is no vaccination. However, it can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
How many TBE vaccinations are necessary?
The TBE vaccination is a passive one. The injected vaccine consists of weakened TBE strains that cannot cause the disease. The TBE vaccination can be given to children as of one year. Patients not actively treated with TBE vaccination can also receive a TBE preventive vaccination after being bitten by a tick. This vaccine consists of ready-made antibodies. This “passive” vaccination must be done as early as possible, but no later than 4 days after the tick bite. However, a preventive vaccination at the outbreak of the disease is not a 100% guarantee. Children under 14 may not receive this preventive vaccination
Lyme disease is another serious illness that is carried by ticks and can be found most everywhere. This disease is caused by bacteria, meaning that there is no vaccination. However, it can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
How many TBE vaccinations are necessary?
The conventional immunization schedule consists of three immunizations. The
first and second dose is administered in intervals of 1 to 3 months. The third dose is given after
9 or 12 months. The protective immunity is reached approximately 2 weeks after the second dose and
lasts for approximately 5 years (if the patient is not over 60). If one is in a hurry, one can also be immunized in a one week interval with the third immunization occurring exactly 2 weeks later. The protective immunity is achieved after 3 immunizations but only lasts for 12 to 18 months. For a long-term immunity of at least 5 years, another, fourth immunization must be scheduled after the following year.
Possible side-effects:
Minor injection site reactions and general symptoms like exhaustion, stomach disorders or mild fever. Neuritis is also a rare possible side effect.
Sources: Robert Koch Institute, internet: www.rki.de
lasts for approximately 5 years (if the patient is not over 60). If one is in a hurry, one can also be immunized in a one week interval with the third immunization occurring exactly 2 weeks later. The protective immunity is achieved after 3 immunizations but only lasts for 12 to 18 months. For a long-term immunity of at least 5 years, another, fourth immunization must be scheduled after the following year.
Possible side-effects:
Minor injection site reactions and general symptoms like exhaustion, stomach disorders or mild fever. Neuritis is also a rare possible side effect.
Sources: Robert Koch Institute, internet: www.rki.de
