Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Ave, W5 4UA
0208 840 4464
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Northfields Travel Clinic

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine in Ealing

Protect yourself before travelling. Book your TBE vaccine at Northfields Travel Clinic, delivered at Bramley Pharmacy (Ealing, W5).

Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is a serious viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks in parts of Europe and Asia. It can cause flu-like illness followed by severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure, and long-term neurological complications are common.

If you are travelling to rural, forested or grassy areas in affected regions, TBE vaccination is strongly recommended.

To check risk by country or region, visit NaTHNaC:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/41/tick-borne-encephalitis

Northfields Travel Clinic, based at Bramley Pharmacy, provides TBE vaccination for adults and children, using TicoVac and TicoVac Junior.

What Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis and How Is It Spread?

TBE is spread primarily through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. These ticks live in:

  • Forests and woodland

  • Grassy meadows and riverbanks

  • Rural farmland

  • Forest edges and glades

  • Parks and suburban green spaces

Ticks are common in:

  • Central and Eastern Europe

  • Baltic region

  • Nordic countries (including Sweden and Finland)

  • Russia (large affected areas)

  • Parts of China, Mongolia & South Korea

Most cases occur during spring, summer and early autumn, when ticks are active.

TBE can also be spread (rarely) through unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals.

Who Is Most at Risk?

You may be at higher risk if you plan to:

  • Hike, camp or backpack in rural areas

  • Walk through forests, parks or grassy areas

  • Cycle or run outdoors in affected regions

  • Work outdoors (forestry, farming, military, fieldwork)

  • Travel for long stays or to remote areas

  • Visit friends/relatives living near woodland

Tick bites often go unnoticed — the nymph forms are tiny, almost invisible.

Symptoms of TBE

The illness often develops in two stages:

Stage 1 – Flu-like illness

  • Fever

  • Tiredness

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches

  • Nausea

Some people recover after this stage. Others progress to:

Stage 2 – Central nervous system involvement

  • Severe headache

  • Stiff neck

  • Confusion

  • Seizures

  • Paralysis

  • Balance problems

Severity

  • TBE is rarely fatal in Europe

  • In parts of Asia, mortality may reach 20%

  • Up to half of survivors develop long-term neurological problems

There is no antiviral treatment — prevention and vaccination are essential.

Reducing Your Risk While Travelling

Even if vaccinated, you should:

  • Wear long sleeves and trousers

  • Tuck trousers into socks when walking through grass/forest

  • Use DEET or similar repellents

  • Check your body for ticks daily

  • Remove ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool

  • Avoid unpasteurised dairy products in at-risk regions

Seek medical advice if symptoms develop within 28 days of a tick bite.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine (TicoVac / TicoVac Junior)

We offer TicoVac (adult) and TicoVac Junior (children), the standard vaccines recommended across Europe.

Key Facts

  • Brand: TicoVac / TicoVac Junior

  • Doses: 3-dose course

  • Price: £65 per dose

  • Schedule: 0, 1–3 months, and 5–12 months

  • Accelerated schedule: Available in some cases for last-minute travellers

  • Protection: High; booster recommended every 3–5 years if ongoing risk

  • Suitable for: Adults and children (age-specific formulation)

Vaccination is recommended for:

  • Travellers spending time in forests/grasslands

  • Campers, hikers, adventure travellers

  • Cyclists, outdoor workers, military personnel

  • Anyone visiting rural risk areas during tick season

TBE Vaccination for Children

TicoVac Junior is licensed for children aged 1 year and older.

The schedule is similar to the adult course. TBE risk exists even for young children, especially those playing outdoors in rural or woodland areas.

How Many Doses Do I Need?

Standard schedule:

  • Dose 1: Day 0

  • Dose 2: 1–3 months later

  • Dose 3: 5–12 months after dose 2

Accelerated schedule (for last-minute trips):

  • Dose 1: Day 0

  • Dose 2: 14 days later

  • (Dose 3 still required at 5–12 months for long-term protection)

A booster is recommended:

  • Every 3 years if ongoing high risk

  • Every 5 years in some low-exposure groups (per manufacturer & country guidance)

Book Your TBE Vaccine in Ealing

Northfields Travel Clinic provides the Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccine on-site at Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Avenue, Ealing (W5).

Use our online booking widget to schedule your appointment.

Stay protected, reduce your risk of tick-borne illness, and enjoy your trip safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the full 3 doses?

Yes. Two doses provide significant short-term protection, but the third dose is needed for long-term immunity.

Can I start the course just before travel?

Yes. We offer an accelerated schedule for travellers who need rapid protection.

Do I still need to check for ticks if I’m vaccinated?

Yes. Vaccination reduces the risk of encephalitis but does not prevent tick bites or other tick-borne diseases.

Is TBE common?

In some European regions, TBE is increasing. Even popular holiday destinations like Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and Sweden have risk areas.

Can children be vaccinated?

Yes — from age 1 year with TicoVac Junior.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. TicoVac has been used widely across Europe for many years.

Evidence-Based Sources

Other Vaccinations