Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended before the tick season begins

“Tick-borne encephalitis still has no specific treatment. The disease can be severe and may cause long-term health problems. Vaccination is the only effective preventive measure,” explains Dr Moosar.

Vaccination should follow the booster vaccination recommendations updated in autumn 2025, according to which the interval between booster doses depends on the patient’s age. The first booster dose is given three years after the third dose. Subsequent booster doses are given every 10 years to people under the age of 50, every five years to those aged 50–60, and every three years to people over the age of 60.

The standard vaccination course consists of three doses. The second dose is given 1–3 months after the first. Although two doses provide an immune response sufficient for one season, a third dose is needed to extend protection. Depending on the type of vaccine, the third dose is given 5–12 months after the second dose. If the vaccination schedule has been interrupted, the course does not need to be restarted; vaccination should continue from the last dose received.

Dr Moosar notes that vaccination should not be postponed until the middle of summer, when the first tick bites have often already occurred. Ticks carrying the virus can also be found in residential areas, home gardens and city parks, which is why preventive vaccination is recommended before the season begins. Vaccination is available to everyone from the age of one who has not previously had tick-borne encephalitis, as having had the disease provides lifelong immunity.