How does it work?

This vaccine contains inactivated tick-borne encephalitis virus. It works by stimulating the body's immune response, without causing the disease. When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise and attack any future infection with the same organism. This is known as immunity. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. As the organisms stimulate the production of a specific type of antibody, a different vaccine must be used for each disease. The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine provides immunity against infection with the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus. This virus is transmitted by bites from ticks found in rural areas of Europe and Asia. This vaccine is not given routinely. It is only given to people who are at high risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis, such as travellers to or residents of high risk areas. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime, while others have to be updated after a few years. This vaccine is given in three doses which provides immunity for approximately 3-5 years. A 'booster' injection is then needed to provide continued immunity. This vaccine is currently unlicensed in the UK, but is available on a named-patient basis.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis

Warning!

Individuals who have a suppressed immune system, for example due to disease such as HIV infection, or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids, may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine and additional doses may be required.

Use with caution in

History of brain damage

Personal or family history of fitting associated with fever

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age

Complications following a previous dose of vaccine

Individuals with allergic tendencies

Sudden illness that requires treatment - vaccine should not be received until two weeks after full recovery

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be used with caution, and only if the benefit outweighs any potential risk to the infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Fever (pyrexia)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Nausea and vomiting

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Pain and swelling at site of injection

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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