TBE vaccine for adults

In many regions of Russia, people in the warm season often encounter tick bites. In addition to the fact that these parasites are unpleasant in themselves, they can be carriers of dangerous diseases – Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. If specific prevention has not yet been developed against the first infection, then with respect to tick-borne encephalitis there is a way to protect yourself by vaccination.

Residents of the Siberian region and the Far Eastern Federal District do not even wonder whether it is necessary to be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis. They have these ticks very often, and the risk of infection is extremely high. But those who live in other territories should also be careful. With the exception of the harsh conditions of permafrost and the most northern latitudes, ticks have already chosen many territories. In the South, they are active from April to October, in the middle lane a little less, but also there.

All lovers of outdoor recreation, active tourism and country work, trips to the village are recommended to think about vaccination now, so that by the beginning of next year they already have strong immunity. Yes, today the vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis for adults is not yet included in the National Calendar of Mandatory Vaccinations, although such conversations have been going on for a long time. It is carried out according to epidemiological indications or at the request of the patient himself. This is important to protect yourself and your loved ones, including babies, from dangerous diseases.

What is tick-borne encephalitis

The vaccine protects against a dangerous virus that can enter the human body when a tick bites with its saliva. The vaccine contains a killed encephalitis virus, which is safe for humans, but forms a strong immunity. The disease itself is provoked by an arbovirus, which is small in size and highly pathogenic in relation to the nervous system, especially the brain. Considering the fact that an encephalitic tick cannot be outwardly distinguished from a normal one, and about 6% of all ticks carry this infection, the risks are quite high.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the substance of the brain, leading to convulsions, impaired consciousness, problems with speech, memory, movement and other functions. In severe cases, it threatens with coma and death, even with recovery from infection, serious consequences and disability are possible.

Which adults should be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis and when?

Among the key indications for vaccination against this infection are:

• living in an area where ticks live;
• age from 1 years;
• a healthy immune system in people of all ages.

It is important for people with various pathologies and the elderly to consult a specialist first, but in a normal general condition they are also vaccinated, especially if they are summer residents and wildlife lovers.

Vaccination according to the plan is carried out all year round, but in order to have immunity by the next summer season or trips to nature in early spring, it is worth planning injections in advance so that 45 days have passed since the last injection. Therefore, it is usually recommended to do the first vaccination in the fall – in September-October, and the second – in the winter, the third – to strengthen immunity – a year from the first. Ticks start to wake up at temperatures above +3°C, and start biting from reaching +10°C. In the spring, they are angry and hungry, so the frequency of bites increases.

The vaccination schedule includes 3 shots of the vaccine:

• the first – on the day of treatment;
• the second – 30 days after the first;
• the third – 9 – 12 months after the first.

Immunity will be quite sufficient after 2 injections, but revaccination is done to prolong it.

On average, one course of vaccination is enough for up to 3-4 years, then you need to refresh your immune system.

For emergency vaccination, there is an accelerated scheme – these are two doses of the vaccine with an interval of 2 to 3 weeks, and the third – in a year.

What are the vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis for adults

All vaccines, regardless of the manufacturer, contain only inactivated (killed) viruses, so the vaccine cannot even theoretically cause infections. The immune system reacts to the introduction of dead viruses by the synthesis of protective antibodies, which in the future will not allow the disease to develop when infected with an already live “wild” virus.

Vaccinations for adults are made by different types of vaccines:

• EnceVir produced in the Russian Federation,
• The vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis, cultured inactivated sorbed liquid – produced in the Russian Federation;
• Klesche-E-Vac, manufactured by the Russian Federation;
• Vaccine Encepur for adults (Encepur Adultus);
• FSME-Immun Inject® (FSME-Immun® Inject) for adults.

All vaccines have passed the necessary tests, are completely safe and effective, although they are based on different subtypes of viruses.

Where can I get the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine for adults?

You can get vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis at the clinic at the place of residence, after talking with the doctor and clarifying the availability of the vaccine. In addition, you can get vaccinated at paid vaccination centers, but then the vaccination will be carried out at the expense of the patient himself.

Reviews of doctors about vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis

Evgeny Mosin, neurologist of the highest category:

– Encephalitis is dangerous for any person, especially for the elderly, patients with chronic pathologies, cerebrovascular accidents. In addition, viral encephalitis is very difficult to treat, there are practically no drugs that kill the virus, and we rely on the patient’s immunity to fight the disease. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself from possible infection with tick-borne encephalitis, including through vaccinations. If there are no contraindications, you often go to nature or the country, you should think about full-fledged protection.

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