TBE vaccination

TBE (tick-borne encephalitis), which is usually transmitted by ticks, initially presents with fever and flu-like symptoms. In some cases, a tick bite can lead to meningitis or encephalitis. TBE is prevalent in many European countries and in parts of Germany, with the risk of infection particularly high in southern Germany and the Alpine regions.

TBE is a viral disease that is typically transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Immediately removing the tick does not provide complete protection. The longer the tick remains attached to the skin, the greater the risk of infection. Following infection, many people initially experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches and muscle pain. In some cases, the disease can progress to severe encephalitis or meningitis. There have been reports of permanent health impairments and deaths following a TBE infection. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems often experience more severe symptoms.

TBE is widespread and occurs in many European countries, particularly in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. The risk of infection is particularly high in some parts of Germany, especially southern Germany and the Alpine regions.

You can reduce the risk of tick bites by wearing protective clothing, such as long trousers and enclosed shoes, and by using tick repellents (e.g., skin spray). However, these measures cannot completely prevent a tick bite and, consequently, TBE. Vaccination remains the safest protection against TBE.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccination for people living in TBE risk areas who are exposed to ticks.

This includes:

The TBE vaccination is an inactivated vaccine, and there are vaccines available for both children and adults. As each vaccine manufacturer has a slightly different schedule for administering the vaccine, the intervals between doses may vary. The vaccine is usually administered in three doses. The second dose is typically administered without any time constraints within three months of the first dose, and the third dose within 12 months of the second dose.

As with any vaccine, side effects may occur following a TBE vaccination. As different manufacturers produce the TBE vaccination for children and adults, the frequency of reported side effects may vary by manufacturer and should be checked on a case-by-case basis. This section therefore only provides a general overview of the symptoms that can be expected following vaccination.

Important:

For further information about risks and side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

As an additional benefit, we cover the vaccination costs in full for all people insured with SBK, even outside TBE risk areas.

Insurants of SBK living in a TBE risk area can receive the vaccination via their SBK Healthcare Card – simply presenting the card at the surgery is sufficient.

If you live outside a risk area, your practice may issue you with a private invoice and, where applicable, a private prescription for the vaccine. To process your claim, we will need all the necessary documents from you. Simply upload the doctor’s invoice, the pharmacy receipt and the vaccine prescription to Meine SBK. Alternatively, send your documents by post. You can find our address and a prepaid envelope here. Your reimbursement will arrive in your account by bank transfer after a few days.
 

Submit invoice
 

You can get the TBE vaccination at GP, paediatric and adolescent medical practices. It’s best to check in advance whether the practice has the vaccine in stock. You may also be given a prescription first. You can then collect the vaccine from a pharmacy and bring it with you to your vaccination appointment at the practice.

You can find answers to the most important questions about the TBE vaccination in the following information provided by the Robert Koch Institute:

RKI FAQ on ticks, tick bites and infection (in German only)

A fact sheet (in German only) on the TBE vaccination can be found here.