Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccination Service

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system. It is endemic to many European countries and may cause various diseases, from mild, short-lived illnesses to more severe life-threatening ones.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccination Service

Next-day appointments available

Book an appointment at one of our branches for next-day service.

About tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that is transmitted predominantly through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. TBE virus belongs to a closely related group of viruses called flaviviruses. These include yellow fever, dengue and Japanese encephalitis. 

TBE affects the central nervous system and may cause a spectrum of diseases, from mild, short-lived illnesses to more severe life-threatening illnesses with the potential for severe neurological complications. 

How can you get tick-borne encephalitis?

TBE is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick, the primary vector of TBE virus. The virus is maintained in nature by several animal ‘hosts’ including; small mammals (mice and voles), domestic livestock (sheep, goats and cattle) and certain bird species.

This interaction between vector and host creates a disease reservoir in the environment. Human infection occurs incidentally when individuals encroach on areas where the virus is present and are inadvertently bitten by infected ticks.

Available service options

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.

  • Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine - Single Dose

    £65.99 per patient

    If you plan to stay in an area with a high occurrence of infected ticks, a TBE vaccination is the safest way to avoid the infection. It is particularly relevant if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.

  • Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine - Complete Course

    £197.90 per patient

    This service option consists of three doses. The second dose is given 1 – 3 months after the first, and the third dose is given 5 – 12 months after the second dose.

  • Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine (Paediatric) - Single Dose

    £65.99 per patient

    This service option is suitable for children between 1 and 16 years old. If you plan to stay in an area with a high occurrence of infected ticks, a TBE vaccination is the safest way to avoid the infection.

  • Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine (Paediatric) - Complete Course

    £197.90 per patient

    This service option is suitable for children between 1 and 16 years old and consists of three doses.

Prefer to book this service over the phone?

Call us on 0113 322 9984

Number of doses required and when to boost

Number of doses

When to boost

Standard schedule: Three doses of 0.5ml on day 0, 1-3 months after the 1st dose, and 5-12 months after the 2nd dose.

Accelerated Schedule: For rapid, short-term protection, the 2nd dose can be given two weeks after the 1st dose.

Booster every three years after the initial three-dose course if the individual continues to be at risk.

Not sure what service option you need?

If you are unsure which vaccines you need for your holiday, why not take advantage of our travel health advice service? This service includes a personalised telephone consultation to determine your travel health requirements, including vaccination, altitude sickness, jet lag, period delay, travellers' diarrhoea and antimalarials.

High risk areas for tick-borne encephalitis

The risk of getting TBE is very low. Ticks that spread it can be found in:

  • Most of Europe – including parts of England

  • Russia

  • Parts of China and Japan

Ticks live in forests and grassy areas. You're more at risk of being bitten if you do activities such as hiking and camping.

What our customers think

5 out of 5 stars

Vaccinations all given professionally plus lots of useful medical advice given for our holiday.

Andy Boothroyd

5 out of 5 stars

Offered me a blood pressure check which I happily accepted. Attended on the same day. Asked if it were possible to pay for a flu jab (I’m not eligible yet) and got that at the same time! Excellent!! Very polite and helpful.

Penny Speers

5 out of 5 stars

Professional and conscientious staff. Mehwish did a great job syringing my ears, thanks 😊

Thomas Francos

5 out of 5 stars

I booked the ear syringing service at Midway Pharmacy in Morley through the online booking system. Really friendly and professional service from Sharon. I’m really grateful to be able to hear properly again. The treatment only took a few minutes and Sharon is clearly really well trained at what she does. Thank you again.

Paul Mcgrath

Rating
4.6
99 reviews
View all reviews

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.

    • How do I avoid tick bites?

      Always try to avoid being bitten in places where ticks are found.

      To reduce the risk of being bitten:

      • cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks

      • use insect repellent on your clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best

      • stick to paths whenever possible

      • wear light-coloured clothing, so ticks are easier to spot and brush off

    • I think a tick has bitten me. Should I see the doctor?

      You should see a doctor if you have been bitten by a tick or visited an area in the past month where ticks are found and you get either:

      • flu-like symptoms – such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches, aching muscles or feeling sick

      • a circular red rash

      Either of these could be an early sign of an infection.

    • Do I need a booster for the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?

      Once you have completed the three-dose course, you are protected for three years. It would be best if you had a booster to remain protected once the three years are up.

    • How do I remove ticks safely?

      To remove a tick safely:

      1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.

      2. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible.

      3. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it.

      4. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.

      The risk of getting ill is low. You only need to do something else if you become unwell.

    • What are the side effects of the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?

      Side effects are rare, but the vaccine can cause mild side effects, such as tiredness, nausea and headache.

    • Can children have the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?

      The vaccine is suitable for children who are 12 months and older.

    • Where is this service available?

      This service is available in our branches, which are commutable from anywhere in Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Hull, Doncaster, Ripon, Harrogate, Dewsbury, Keighley and Scarborough.

    • Are next-day appointments available?

      Yes, you can get next-day appointments at all our branches. Contact our customer care team if you cannot find an available slot.

Ready to book this service?

Next-day appointments are available at our branches.