Tick-borne Encephalitis vaccine in West Hampstead London Travel Clinic

Tick-borne Encephalitis vaccine in West Hampstead, at a glance

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral brain infection spread by infected ticks across Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltic states, parts of Russia, Switzerland, Austria, and Scandinavia. Around 1% of clinical cases are fatal and up to 1 in 3 survivors report long-lasting neurological symptoms. The TBE vaccine (TicoVac / FSME-IMMUN) is a 3-dose course and is the only effective prevention beyond strict bite avoidance.

Who needs the TBE vaccine?

UKHSA Green Book Chapter 31 and NaTHNaC recommend the TBE vaccine for anyone planning hiking, cycling, camping, forestry work, or extended outdoor activity between spring and autumn in a TBE-risk country. The Baltic states, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg), Slovenia, parts of Switzerland, and southern Russia have the highest documented risk. It is not needed for short city breaks or stays in urban areas only.

How the appointment works at Aqua

You book online and come in for dose 1. The standard schedule gives dose 2 at 1 to 3 months and dose 3 at 5 to 12 months after dose 2. An accelerated schedule (0, 14 days, 5 to 12 months) is licensed for adults with limited lead time, and gives around 90% protection through one tick season after the first 2 doses. Each appointment takes around 15 minutes. Boosters are recommended every 3 years for ongoing risk, or every 5 years for those aged under 50.

Destinations where TBE is a concern

High and moderate risk has been mapped by ECDC across Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, and parts of Switzerland. We frequently pair TBE with Hepatitis A and a Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio booster for travellers heading into rural or forest environments.

Side effects and contraindications

Most people have only mild side effects: a sore arm, mild headache, or low-grade fever in the first 24 hours. TicoVac contains residual egg protein at very low levels and is generally avoided in severe egg allergy. It is not a live vaccine and is safe in immunocompromised travellers, though response may be reduced.

Book your appointment

Aqua Travel Clinic is at 59 Mill Lane, West Hampstead NW6 1NB, 4 minutes from West Hampstead station. The clinic is operated by Aqua Pharmacy (GPhC premises 1123406), part of Naspram Pharma Limited. All consultations are supervised by Superintendent Pharmacist Sanjay Mukundkumar Patel (GPhC 2045157). Book a TBE appointment online or call us. We will plan all 3 doses around your travel dates.