TBE vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
TBE vaccination: The TBE vaccination protects against a viral infection transmitted by tick bites. The disease can affect the brain and meninges and in individual cases there is a risk of permanent damage or even death.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
- 494 views.
No, the pathogen is not transmitted from person to person. Infection almost always occurs through the bite of an infected tick.
The Vaccination can generally be carried out all year round. However, it is ideal to start vaccination before the tick season begins in spring.
TBE briefly explained
The abbreviation TBE stands for tick-borne encephalitis, also known as tick-borne encephalitis. Tick-borne encephalitis. This is an infectious disease caused by the TBE virus, which is mainly transmitted through tick bites.
After such an attack, viruses enter the central nervous system via the blood, where they may cause a Meningitis can be triggered. It is not uncommon for an additional Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
How is tick-borne encephalitis transmitted?
The viruses are mainly transmitted through the Bite of an infected tick. Depending on the activity and opportunities for contact with people, the disease occurs more frequently between spring and late fall - but particularly in the warm summer months.
In rare cases, the TBE virus can also be transmitted through the consumption of raw milk products from infected animals. Especially products made from goat's or sheep's milk.
Good to know: Sick people themselves are not contagious and therefore cannot transmit the virus.
TBE virus vs. Lyme disease
Ticks can not only transmit TBE, but also Lyme disease and other rare diseases. The difference: TBE is caused by a virus caused, Lyme disease caused by bacteria.
While there is a vaccine against TBE that offers preventive protection, Lyme disease cannot be vaccinated against. Instead, it is treated with antibiotics.
Spread and frequency of the viral disease
In fact, not every bite from an infected tick leads to infection with the viral disease. This is mainly due to the high vaccination rate. Nevertheless, immunization makes perfect sense - especially in view of the fact that Austria is one of the most most affected by TBE countries in Central Europe.
Course of the disease and possible consequences
The course of the disease can be roughly divided into three phases The disease can be divided into three phases, starting with an initial disease phase, followed by a symptom-free phase and finally the attack on the central nervous system.
The first phase usually begins 3 to 28 days after the tick bite, on average 8 days later. This leads to flu-like symptoms such as vomiting and fever. The symptom-free phase lasts about a week.
This can be followed by a further infestation of the central nervous system - associated with headaches, dizziness and other symptoms. In about 1 percent of cases with neurological symptoms, the infection leads to death.
What are the symptoms of the TBE virus?
An illness usually begins with unspecific symptoms - similar to a Flu -which subside after a few days. These include vomiting, dizziness and fever. However, after a brief symptom-free phase, some patients may experience a second phase of the disease with the following symptoms:
Fever
Headaches and photophobia
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Concentration disorders
Failures of the nervous system
In serious cases, paralysis of the arms and legs as well as swallowing and speech disorders can also occur and last for several weeks or even months. It can also lead to permanent damage and disabilities come.
Prevention and protection through vaccination against TBE
Vaccination against TBE is a safe and effective method of preventing infection. It offers Protection against all known subtypes of the virus. The National vaccination committee recommends vaccination for all people living in Austria, as no federal state is TBE-free.
The basic immunization always takes place before the tick season - i.e. in January or February - with three vaccinations. Missed vaccinations or longer intervals between vaccinations require a catch-up with a single dose (after at least two vaccinations). If basic immunization is available, it does not need to be repeated.
Vaccination schedule against tick-borne encephalitis
According to the Vaccination plan Austria possible after the first year of life. Basic immunization requires three doses of the vaccine. Vaccination is carried out according to the following vaccination schedule:
1st vaccination from the age of 1 year
2nd vaccination 1-3 months after the 1st vaccination
3rd vaccination 5-12 or 9-12 months after the 2nd vaccination (depending on the vaccine)
A first booster vaccination takes place three years after the basic immunization and Further refreshments are planned every five years.
The TBE vaccination is not included in the free vaccination program for children and must therefore be paid for by the child. But it offers Effective protection against severe disease progression and permanent damage. For further information and detailed advice, parents can contact us at any time at the Ordination Glückskind report.
TBE vaccination recommendations for adults
The TBE vaccination is also highly recommended for adults of all ages in Austria. The basic immunization consists of three vaccinations, which are administered at certain intervals. Protection begins around two weeks after the second vaccination and is almost 100 percent.
Basic immunization at a glance:
1st vaccination: possible at any time
2nd vaccination: about 4 weeks after the first
3. vaccination: 5-12 or 9-12 months after the second (depending on the vaccine)
The first booster is given three years after the third vaccination. After that, regular boosters are important, depending on the age group:
all 5 years up to the age of 60
all 3 years from the age of 60
If required, a Quick vaccination scheme with shorter intervals possible.
Further measures to protect against tick bites
In addition to the Tick vaccination there are other measures that can protect you from tick bites. These include Correct clothing in high-risk environments, Tick repellent and the Regular examination of the body for ticks.
Ticks are particularly common in Forests, tall grass, bushes and foliage in the wild. There they wait for humans or animals to suck their blood. They can transmit various pathogens when they bite.
When spending time in nature, we therefore recommend Closed clothing, long pants, sturdy shoes and long sleeves. Light-colored clothing is particularly practical because ticks are easier to spot on it. Tick repellents for the skin and insecticides for clothing can also be used.
After a walk in the forest or in the tall grass, you should Body and clothing thoroughly checked for ticks should be checked. Pets such as dogs or cats can also bring ticks into the home and should be checked. If a tick is discovered, it should be removed as quickly and carefully as possible.
How to remove ticks correctly
If a tick is discovered, it should be removed as quickly as possible. The best way to do this is with a fine tweezers or special tick tweezers. It is important to proceed calmly and carefully.
Tick with tweezers as close as possible to the skin reach.
The tick Pull out slowly and straight, without squeezing them.
Then cover the puncture site with a Clean skin disinfectant.
Important: Ticks should never burned or treated with oil as this can lead to injuries. If the tick is located in sensitive areas such as the eyelids or genital area, it should be removed by a doctor.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Is Austria a TBE risk area?
Yes, Austria is considered a TBE risk area. The virus occurs in all federal states, so there are no completely TBE-free regions. Ticks can transmit the disease to humans when they bite.
Despite high vaccination coverage rates of over 80 percent, TBE cases are reported every year. Between 2010 and 2020, there were more than 1,200 confirmed cases in Austria and 21 deaths.
Therefore the TBE vaccination for all persons living in Austria and for travelers recommended for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Protection is particularly important for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
How much does the TBE vaccine cost in Austria?
The TBE vaccine usually has to be paid for in Austria. The price of a vaccine dose is usually around 40 to 50 Euro.
Within the scope of Vaccination campaigns However, there are regular Cost subsidies from the health insurance company, which are refunded directly at the time of purchase or afterwards.
How often do I need to be vaccinated against TBE?
For complete protection against TBE three vaccinations necessary. The second vaccination is given to children 1 to 3 months after the first, the third usually 5 to 12 months later - depending on the vaccine.
After the basic immunization Refresher important to ensure that protection is maintained. The first booster vaccination is recommended three years after the third vaccination. After that, people up to the age of 60 should be vaccinated every five years and from the age of 60 every three years.