Tick Borne Encephalitis Vaccine for Children: What Parents Need to Know
Planning a family holiday abroad is an exciting time—especially if you’re heading to rural parts of Europe to enjoy the great outdoors. But if your travels include hiking, camping, or spending time in forests or meadows, there’s an important health consideration to keep in mind: tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
At Mistrys Pharmacy Travel Clinic in Market Harborough, we want to help families stay protected and worry-free while travelling. One of the best ways to do that is by understanding the tick borne encephalitis vaccine, especially for children. In this article, we’ll explain what parents need to know to make informed, confident decisions before travelling.
What is Tick-Borne Encephalitis?
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection spread by tick bites. It can lead to serious inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). TBE is found in various parts of Europe and Asia, particularly in forested areas during the spring and summer months.
While some people may experience only mild flu-like symptoms, others—especially younger children—can become seriously unwell. The virus has no specific treatment, so prevention is the best protection, particularly when travelling to high-risk areas.
Where Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis a Risk?
TBE is most commonly reported in:
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Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland
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The Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
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Parts of Scandinavia, including Sweden and Finland
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Rural areas of Russia and some parts of Asia
The risk is higher in woodland, grassy fields, and trails—places many families enjoy for camping and outdoor adventures.
Why Children May Be at Higher Risk
Children are naturally curious and love to explore. This often means brushing against long grass, sitting on the ground, or playing near trees—all of which increase exposure to ticks. Young children may not notice or report a tick bite, which can make it difficult to act quickly.
Although severe TBE is less common in children than adults, the infection can still cause serious complications. The tick borne encephalitis vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce that risk during travel.
Is the Tick Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Safe for Children?
Yes, the TBE vaccine is well tolerated in children and widely used across Europe, where the virus is endemic. In the UK, it is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule, but it is available privately for travel purposes.
At Mistrys Pharmacy, we offer TBE vaccinations for children aged from 1 year and above, following official medical guidance. The vaccine has been shown to be safe, with side effects generally mild and short-lived. These may include redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or general tiredness.
How Many Doses Are Needed?
The tick borne encephalitis vaccine is usually given as a course of two doses, with the first dose ideally administered at least one month before travel. A third booster dose may be offered 5–12 months later for longer-term protection, especially if you plan to revisit endemic regions.
If you’re travelling at short notice, speak to our pharmacists. An accelerated schedule may be possible depending on your child’s age and overall health.
What Else Can Parents Do to Prevent Tick Bites?
While vaccination is the most effective medical protection, it’s still wise to practise tick-avoidance measures while abroad. We recommend:
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Wearing long sleeves and trousers, ideally tucked into socks
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Using insect repellents that contain DEET or icaridin
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Checking your child for ticks every evening, especially behind ears, around the waist, and at hairlines
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Removing any ticks promptly with a proper tick removal tool
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Avoiding sitting directly on grass or logs
These simple steps, combined with vaccination, provide robust protection.
Book Your Child’s Tick Borne Encephalitis Vaccine with Us
At Mistrys Pharmacy in Market Harborough, our friendly team provides expert travel health advice and vaccinations tailored to your family’s needs. We take the time to explain the vaccine, administer it in a child-friendly environment, and answer any questions you may have.
If you’re planning a family holiday to a rural part of Europe, we strongly recommend discussing the tick borne encephalitis vaccine during your pre-travel consultation.
We make the process easy, convenient, and reassuring—so you can focus on enjoying your holiday, knowing your children are well protected.
Peace of Mind for Parents
When it comes to travelling with children, peace of mind is everything. Tick-borne encephalitis may not be well known in the UK, but it’s a real and growing risk in many outdoor destinations across Europe. The tick borne encephalitis vaccine offers an extra layer of safety for your family’s adventure, ensuring your memories are filled with fun—not worry.
Contact Mistrys Pharmacy today to book your child’s travel vaccination appointment and let us help you travel smart, safe, and stress-free.
This blog was written on behalf of Mistrys Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
