Travel Health • UK
Introduction
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine cost UK is not unaffordable, but knowing the cost we need to know what is Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)!
Tick-Borne Encephalitis is a viral disease that is transmitted by infected ticks, typically found in wooded or grassy areas in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe, as well as parts of Asia. Tourists or people who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, cycling, mushroom picking, or rural outdoor pursuits may be at greater risk of contracting TBE (CDC 2024). While TBE is rare in the UK (UKHSA 2023), people who are travelling to locations where TBE is more common should have protections in place. Options for many travellers include receiving a tick-borne encephalitis travel vaccine prior to leaving the country.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Cost in UK (Private vs NHS)
- Almost all private vaccination centres in the UK charge start from £60 – £85 per dose for the TBE Vaccine. The range of these prices is similar to that of a typical tick vaccination price at UK Clinics.
- Typically, the Standard Schedule requires three doses; therefore, The Total tick-borne encephalitis vaccine cost or TBE vaccine cost UK will be 3 times the price of the individual Dose.
- At NHS, the vaccine is not routinely provided for travel purposes, so most travellers will need to go to private clinics to obtain the vaccine (NHS, 2024).
- Starts from £45 per dose
- Starts from £135 for the full 3-dose course
- Price includes consultation + official vaccine record/certificate
- No hidden charges and same-day appointments available
Most Chosen
Full 3-Dose Course
£135
How to Book Your Appointment
- Find a TravelJabs 4 U clinic nearest you
- Schedule a time to receive the vaccine online or by calling the clinic
- Bring your travel itinerary and vaccination card to the clinic on the day of your appointment
- You will receive your vaccination and an official certificate upon completion of the vaccination visit
What is the TBE Vaccine?
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccination consists of a series of injections that help protect against the tick-borne virus, or TBE virus. It is one of the best options for providing protection to people visiting areas where tick-borne encephalitis is present (WHO, 2023).
Key Points:
The primary components of the vaccine include:
- The tbe vaccination is available as an injectable vaccine
- The vaccine protects against the TBE virus carried by ticks in Europe and Asia
- The two most popular brand names used are Encepur/ FSME-IMMUN vaccine UK (both of which have been approved and continue to be used widely throughout Europe)
- The vaccine is appropriate for use on all adults and children who are at least 12 months old (NHS FitforTravel, 2024)
- Travellers are strongly encouraged to receive this vaccination before travelling to areas where there is a likelihood of encountering ticks, especially if they will be in nature
Why Choose TravelJabs 4 U?
TravelJabs 4 U provides a simple way to obtain vaccinations for people travelling only to countries where tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is found.
Some key features include:
- Fast appointment times – even for last minute bookings
- Travel Health specialists, who have many years advising travellers on trips to Europe
- Clearly transparent pricing with no extra fees
- Every appointment result in an official certificate/record of all vaccines received
- Ability to have all vaccines given in the same appointment; (e.g. rabies, hepatitis A).
When to Get Vaccinated (Schedule & Timing)
According to the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine schedule, the three doses must be administered at prescribed intervals (WHO, 2023):
- 1st dose: On day 0
- 2nd dose: 1-3 months following the administration of the first dose
- 3rd dose: 5-12 months following the administration of the second dose
The administration of all three doses will give an individual long-lasting immunity from tick-borne encephalitis. Ideally, it is best for individuals to receive their first two doses before travelling to those areas where infection may occur because those individuals already possess a high level of immunity against this disease.
Boosters
A TBE booster UK is suggested for individuals who are at risk, or who travel frequently to endemic TBE regions every 3-5 years (NHS FitforTravel, 2024).
Preventive Measures
Vaccination provides a primary defense against TBE; however, protection from personal risk factors must also occur. Health organizations such as CDC and WHO encourage travelers to:
- wear long trousers when walking in forests and grassy areas
- wear long-sleeved tops while walking through brush and tall grass
- wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be more easily detected
- Apply insect repellent that contains either DEET (50% concentration) or picaridin (20% concentration)
- Remain on designated trails when hiking
- Regularly check your skin/clothes for signs of tick attachment
- Quickly remove ticks using tweezers with fine-tipped ends
Following the recommendations of health organizations will greatly reduce the risk of contracting TBE
Side Effects & Safety
Mild to moderate side effects have been reported with TBE vaccinations. As with most vaccines that are provided as part of international travel, side effects usually disappear within a few days (CDC, 2024). Common tick-borne encephalitis side effects of the vaccinations include:
- Pain or redness at the injection site
- Mild headache
- Fatigue
- Slight fever
- Very rarely, there are serious adverse effects associated with TBE vaccinations. Both Encepur and FSME-IMMUN have been licensed in Europe and used safely for many years
FAQs
1. Is it worth getting the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
Yes. If you plan to travel into areas of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) by participating in outdoors activities, then you should be vaccinated. The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is recommended to greatly minimise the risk of contracting TBE Virus (via WHO and the CDC).
2. How much is the tick vaccine UK?
Starts from £60 – £85 at private clinic for one dose of tick vaccine UK price, with price depending on brand and location.
3. Is there a vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis?
Yes, there are two effective tick-borne encephalitis vaccines. Encepur /FSME-IMMUN, which are widely available in the UK at private clinics
4. How long does the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine last?
Once the full three-dose schedule of the TBE vaccine is completed, your immunity to the TBE usually lasts between 3 and 5 years. You will need a TBE booster after that time.
5. Can humans be vaccinated for ticks?
No, there is no vaccine for ticks; however, people may receive a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine which helps prevent TBE infection.
6. Do I need a shot after a tick bite?
A post-exposure vaccine for TBE does not exist. If you do get bit by a tick, quickly remove ticks and watch for symptoms. If you begin to feel sick, you should reach out to a doctor (CDC 2024).
7. Why was the human Lyme vaccine discontinued?
Manufacturers of the previous Lyme vaccine (LYMErix) stopped producing it because it did not have enough interest in the marketplace for continued production and there were public concerns regarding its use. However, there were no documented safety concerns regarding its use. The Lyme vaccine has nothing to do with the tick-borne encephalitis travel vaccine.
8. How do you know if you have tick-borne encephalitis?
Tick-borne encephalitis symptoms can start with fever, headaches and tiredness, but they can also lead to neurological symptoms. To have tick-borne encephalitis diagnosed, you would need to go to the hospital and be tested by medical professionals (WHO 2023).
9. Is the encephalitis vaccine safe?
Yes, both brands of TBE vaccines have been proven to have extremely good safety records and have been approved by the health organizations of Europe and the UK.
10. What is the deadliest tick-borne disease?
There are many severe tick-borne illnesses that exist globally, with trial of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever showing the highest fatality rates. In Europe, TBE is considered one of the most serious mosquito and tick-borne viral diseases.
Closing
TBE is rare in the UK but does pose a high-risk of transmission when Travelling outside the U.K. where TBE Infection is present. The best way to achieve optimal protection against TBE Infection is to combine the tick-borne encephalitis travel vaccine with appropriate clothing such as either long trousers or long-sleeved tops, as well as taking precautions to avoid tick bites while visiting these areas.
To ensure that you are trip ready and fully equipped with everything that you need before Travelling outside of the U.K. for a TBE vaccination; you should arrange for your TBE Vaccination now at Traveljabs 4 U!
Mohammed Shajan Ali, MPharm
Mohammed Shajan Ali is a UK-registered pharmacist with over 15 years of professional experience in community pharmacy, travel medicine, and vaccination services. He holds a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree and is licensed by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
He has specialist expertise in travel health consultations, destination-specific vaccination advice, malaria prevention, and immunisation counselling. Mohammed has completed advanced training in Yellow Fever Vaccination, Travel Risk Assessment, and Patient Counselling, ensuring advice provided is aligned with UK and international health guidance.
Throughout his career, Mohammed has advised and vaccinated thousands of travellers across the UK. His focus is on helping patients understand travel-related health risks and providing safe, evidence-based vaccination solutions tailored to individual itineraries.
At Travel Jabs 4 U, Mohammed leads travel health consultations and oversees vaccination services, ensuring patients receive accurate information, professional care, and official certification for travel vaccines.
