Transmission

TBE is a flavivirus transmitted through bites from infected Ixodes ticks in forested and grassland habitats. Less commonly, infection occurs from unpasteurised dairy products from infected goats, sheep or cows.

Geography

Endemic across Central and Eastern Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Baltic states), Russia, and parts of northern Japan and China. Tick activity peaks April–November.

Immunity

Two doses of TicoVac 1–3 months apart give short-term cover. A third dose 5–12 months later extends protection to around 3 years, with periodic boosters thereafter.