A single walk through a forest trail or grassy hillside can be enough to bring you into contact with ticks, often without you ever noticing. For travellers who enjoy hiking, camping or exploring rural parts of Europe, this hidden risk is becoming harder to ignore.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a serious viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system, and European public health surveillance reports that thousands of cases are recorded across Europe every year, particularly in regions popular with outdoor travellers.
As travel and nature-based holidays continue to grow, the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is now playing an increasingly important role in outdoor travel health planning for those who want to explore safely and confidently.
What is tick-borne encephalitis, and why is it a risk for outdoor travellers?
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection passed on through the bite of infected ticks. It affects the brain and nervous system and can lead to serious illness in some people. The virus is found in parts of Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltic regions, Scandinavia, and some areas of Asia.
People who spend time in forests, grasslands or rural areas are more likely to be exposed. This includes walkers, campers, cyclists and anyone enjoying nature-based activities. While tick prevention in the UK is usually focused on Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis is becoming a bigger concern for those travelling abroad.
How do ticks spread this infection?
Ticks live in grassy and wooded areas and attach to the skin when people brush past vegetation. If the tick carries the virus, it can pass it on during feeding. Unlike some infections, tick-borne encephalitis can be transmitted quite quickly after a bite, which makes prevention especially important.
Is tick-borne encephalitis found in the UK?
Currently, the risk in the UK is considered very low. However, the infection is well established in many European countries. This is why the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is often included in travel vaccines for Europe, especially for outdoor travellers.
Who should consider the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is usually recommended for people travelling to affected areas where they will spend time outdoors. This includes woodland walks, hiking, camping, farming or outdoor work.
Is vaccination recommended for hikers?
Vaccination for hikers is strongly advised if hiking routes pass through forests or rural areas in countries where the virus is present. Even short trips can carry risk if activities involve contact with nature.
What about family holidays and adventure trips?
Families planning camping holidays, cycling tours or nature-based breaks may also benefit. Our pharmacists can review your itinerary and activities to decide if the vaccine is suitable for you.
How does the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine work?
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine helps your immune system recognise and fight the virus if you are exposed. It does not contain a live virus and cannot cause the infection.
How many doses are needed?
Most people need a course of injections spread over several months for long-term protection. In some cases, an accelerated schedule may be available when travel is planned at short notice. Booster doses are needed to maintain protection over time.
Is the vaccine safe?
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine has been used for many years and, according to NHS guidance, is generally well tolerated. Some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, headache or tiredness, which usually settle within a short time. Our pharmacists will explain what to expect before vaccination and answer any questions you may have.
How can you protect yourself from tick bites when travelling outdoors?
Vaccination is an important layer of protection, but it should be combined with sensible precautions when spending time outdoors. A dedicated travel clinic in Tadworth can help you prepare properly for your trip.
Practical tick prevention tips
Wearing long sleeves and trousers, using insect repellents, and checking your skin after outdoor activities all help reduce risk. Light-coloured clothing makes ticks easier to spot. These measures support tick prevention in the UK and abroad.
What should you do if you find a tick?
Removing a tick promptly using proper technique reduces the chance of infection. Our experts can advise on safe tick removal and when to seek further advice.
Ready to protect yourself before your outdoor adventure?
Staying healthy while exploring the outdoors starts with good preparation. If you are planning hiking, camping or nature-focused travel in Europe, the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine may be an important part of your protection plan.
Book your appointment for the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine at Townsend Pharmacy and get prepared for outdoor travel with confidence.
FAQs
Yes, the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is recommended if you are hiking or spending time outdoors in parts of Europe where the virus is present. Risk increases in forested and rural areas, even on short trips.
Tick-borne encephalitis is found in several European countries, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and specific regions of France and Italy, which is why it is often discussed when reviewing travel vaccines for Europe for outdoor travellers.
Ideally, the vaccine course should be started several weeks before travel to allow enough time for protection to build. However, accelerated schedules may be available if travel is soon. A travel clinic in Tadworth can help plan the timing based on your departure date.
Protective clothing and insect repellent are important, but they do not fully eliminate risk. Ticks can still attach unnoticed, especially during long outdoor activities. The vaccine provides an extra layer of protection and is recommended alongside tick prevention measures when travelling abroad.
Yes, the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is suitable for both children and older adults, depending on age and medical history. Our pharmacists will review suitability and provide age-appropriate guidance as part of outdoor travel health planning.