There is currently only one vaccine for Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) available in Australia, and it is only accessible under the Special Access Scheme (SAS Category C). This scheme allows registered practitioners to access unapproved therapeutic goods (i.e. medicines/ vaccines not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)) for individuals under their care.
In Australia, medical practitioners can prescribe the TBE vaccine, if the individual’s risk profile meets certain criteria. This vaccine is manufactured by Pfizer and is licensed under the name TicoVac or FSME-IMMUN. It has been used in Europe for many years and was given FDA approval in the USA in August 2021. The trade name is TicoVac in the USA. Another TBE vaccine, Encepur, is also used in Europe. It is not unusual for an Australian or New Zealand traveller to seek the vaccine in Europe prior to travel to a risk area.
A risk analysis for TBE for the trip should be undertaken well before travel. Three doses of the vaccine are required over 5 to 12 months to be fully vaccinated. Travellers should aim to have the first dose at least 1 month before entering the area of risk.
An accelerated schedule for the first 2 doses can be used if there is limited time before travel. The level of protection is more than 90% after 2 doses and higher after the third. Booster doses can be given if there is ongoing risk. See more information for the user.
Any decision on the use of the TBE vaccine should be based on the following:
- Country of travel and proposed region
- Length of stay
- Time of year (ticks are most active between April and November)
- Activities which might increase exposure
- Potential side effects of the vaccine
- Cost of the vaccine
Find out more about the risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis to travellers.
