From age 1. For walking, camping or working in forested parts of Europe and Asia in spring and summer. Not live, so can be given in pregnancy when needed. Private only.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 31Non-live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection of the brain spread by tick bites in forests and grassland across much of central and eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and parts of Asia. The vaccine is advised for people spending time outdoors in these areas between spring and autumn.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
From 1 year (TicoVac Junior)
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
2 to 17 years
Privately✓Available
Junior vaccine up to 15; adult dose from 16
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
18 to 49 years
Privately✓Available
Two doses 1 to 3 months apart before travel; third dose 5 to 12 months later
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
50 to 64 years
Privately✓Available
Same schedule
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
65 and over
Privately✓Available
Same schedule; the first booster is 3 years after the course, then every 3 years from age 60 (every 5 years if younger)
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
Recommended for
Hikers, campers, cyclists and forestry or farm workers in affected parts of Europe and Asia, particularly from April to November
People living or working long-term in rural endemic areas
Who should not have it
Children under 1
A previous serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or one of its ingredients. Egg allergy is no longer a reason to avoid it (JCVI advice)
If you have a fever, the vaccine is usually postponed
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
🛡️
Protects against
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) — a viral infection of the brain spread by tick bites in forested areas of Europe and Asia.
📅
When to have it
2 doses at least 2 weeks apart before travel; 3rd dose at 5–12 months
⏳
How long it lasts
3 years after full 3-dose course
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Doses
3 doses — 0, 2 weeks, and 5–12 months
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Side effects
Sore arm, redness at injection site, mild fever, and fatigue. Usually short-lived.
Common questions
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine (TicoVac): your questions answered
Which countries have tick-borne encephalitis?
Much of central and eastern Europe including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland and the Baltic states, plus Scandinavia, Russia and parts of central and east Asia. TravelHealthPro lists current risk areas by country.
How quickly does the vaccine work?
Two doses 1 to 3 months apart give protection for the coming season (a rapid 2-week interval is licensed when time is short). A third dose 5 to 12 months later completes the course.
How often do I need boosters?
The first booster is 3 years after the third dose. After that, every 5 years if you are under 60 and every 3 years from age 60, for as long as you keep visiting risk areas.
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GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.