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Vaccination Against Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis offers long-term protection from this viral disease. We offer the vaccination year-round. The primary vaccination course consists of three doses: the first two injections are given 1–3 months apart, and the third is given 5 months to a year later.

Text reviewed by specialist:

Valeria Boitsova

Nurse

Published

Text updated

Risk groups for tick-borne encephalitis

  • Vaccination is especially important for permanent residents of high-risk areas, particularly for children who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors. We recommend starting children’s vaccinations from the age of one.
  • People over 60 who pick mushrooms and berries in the forest are also in a risk group, as infection rates have been higher in this group in recent years.
  • Other risk groups include forestry workers, military personnel, border guards, hunters, and people vacationing in high-risk areas during the summer.
  • In Estonia, the highest numbers of tick-borne encephalitis infections are found in Saaremaa, Ida- and Lääne-Viru, Lääne, Pärnu, and Tartu counties.

When should you get vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis?

  • You live in or travel to a high-risk area. If you live in or frequently travel to areas where tick-borne encephalitis is endemic, vaccination is strongly recommended.
  • You spend a lot of time outdoors. An active lifestyle in forests, gardens, or parks increases the risk of tick bites and, therefore, infection.
  • You are planning a summer holiday in nature. It is important to ensure you have adequate protection against tick-borne encephalitis before the summer season begins.
  • You have forgotten your previous vaccination schedule. Check your vaccination record and update your protection if necessary.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • ID card or other identity document: Bring a valid identity document with you.
  • Vaccination record: If you have one, bring it with you to check the details of previous vaccinations.
  • Health information: Be ready to discuss your health condition, allergies, and any medications you are taking with the nurse or doctor.
  • Comfortable clothing: Wear clothes that allow easy access to your upper arm for the injection.
  • Avoid alcohol: Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before vaccination.
    Eat and drink as usual: There is no need to fast before your visit; eat and drink as you normally would.

What to expect during your appointment

Registration and check-in

When you arrive, you will register and be directed to a nurse or doctor.

Health check and consultation

The nurse or doctor will assess your health, ask about allergies and past illnesses, and provide information about the vaccine.

Vaccination

The vaccine is usually injected into the muscle of your upper arm.

Follow-up information and advice

You will receive instructions on possible side effects and your future vaccination schedule. Information about your vaccination will be sent to the national health portal.

Specialists providing this service

  • Aleksandra Levitskaja

    Nurse

    Jalgpalli kliinik, Ülemiste Health Centre, Mobile occupational health examination

  • Aleksandra Skripka

    Nurse

    Jalgpalli kliinik, Ülemiste Health Centre

  • Alina Maspanova

    Nurse

    Kvartal Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health

  • Alisa Aleksejeva

    Nurse

    Ülemiste Health Centre, Mobile occupational health examination

  • Anastasia Grudkina

    Nurse

    Jalgpalli kliinik, Ülemiste Health Centre, Mobile occupational health examination

    Book appointment
  • dr Andreas Abel

    General practitioner

    Jalgpalli kliinik, Ülemiste Health Centre, Rävala Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health, Digikliinik

    Book appointment

Payment & Appointment Info

Prices

Tallinn

Special care
Service Price
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis for an adult 43 €
Vaccination against hepatitis B for an adult 39 €
Vaccination against hepatitis A for a child 32 €
Vaccination against hepatitis A and B for an adult 64 €
Vaccination against hepatitis A for an adult 52 €

Everywhere else in Estonia

Special care
Service Price
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis for an adult 43 €
Vaccination against hepatitis B for an adult 39 €
Vaccination against hepatitis A for a child 32 €
Vaccination against hepatitis A and B for an adult 64 €
Vaccination against hepatitis A for an adult 52 €
Payment methods

Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Vaccination coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.

Referral

You can book this service as a self-paying patient without a doctor’s referral.

Clinics offering this service

Related services

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine also protect against Lyme disease?

No, the vaccine is only intended to prevent tick-borne encephalitis. There is not yet a vaccine for Lyme disease, so it is important to always check yourself for ticks after being outdoors.

How many doses are needed for full protection?

To achieve initial protection, we administer three injections: the second dose is given 1–3 months after the first, and the third dose 5–12 months later.

How often do I need a booster shot?

The first booster dose is given after 3 years. Further intervals depend on your age:

  • Up to age 50 – every 10 years
  • Ages 50–60 – every 5 years
  • From age 60 – every 3 years
What are the most common side effects after vaccination?

Redness or soreness at the injection site may sometimes occur. Short-term fatigue or a mild fever are less common.

When is the best time to start vaccination?

To ensure protection, it is recommended to start in the winter or early spring, but we can vaccinate year-round.

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