Vienna Launches Month-Long Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination Campaign

Vienna is set to initiate a four-week vaccination campaign against Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE), also known as early summer meningoencephalitis, starting from April 14 and running until May 9, 2025. This initiative, organized by the city's Health Service (MA 15), will take place at the TownTown vaccination center located at Thomas-Klestil-Platz 8/2, 1030 Vienna. The vaccination is available for individuals starting from their first birthday.

The Austrian vaccination schedule recommends TBE vaccinations for children from the age of one. The immunity begins approximately two weeks after the second vaccine dose. The recommended vaccination schedule is as follows:

• First vaccination: from the first birthday
• Second vaccination: four weeks after the first
• Third vaccination: between five to twelve months after the second dose (exact timing depends on the vaccine used)
• First booster: three years after the third vaccination
• Boosters every five years for individuals under 60 years old
• Boosters every three years for individuals aged 60 and older

For individuals needing rapid immunity, a quick immunization schedule is available with shorter intervals between doses, varying by the vaccine type.

While the vaccination must be self-funded, health insurance companies offer a minor subsidy. Children and adolescents under 15 can receive the vaccine for EUR32.75 (without Austrian social security number) or EUR28.25 (with an Austrian social security number). Adults aged 15 and older will pay EUR32.75 (without Austrian social security number) or EUR28.25 (with an Austrian social security number), plus a vaccination fee of EUR12.67 for the vaccine.

Appointments for the TBE vaccination can be made either online at www.impfservice.wien or by calling 1450.

What is TBE? TBE stands for Tick-Borne Encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain and its protective membranes. The illness begins with flu-like symptoms before improving temporarily. After about a week, symptoms can escalate to high fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and in some cases, paralysis. The disease can lead to lasting complications and, in severe cases, can be fatal. There is no specific treatment for TBE; only symptomatic relief is possible.

The TBE virus is primarily transmitted to humans through bites from infected ticks. This virus is present throughout Austria and in other Central and Eastern European countries. The incubation period from tick bite to the onset of the disease can range from two to 28 days. Importantly, TBE is not transmitted from person to person.

Vaccination against TBE provides effective protection against the disease. Additionally, tick bites can also lead to Lyme disease, for which there is no vaccine but effective antibiotic treatment options are available. It is advisable to perform a "tick check" after spending time outdoors near bushes and tall grass, and to remove any ticks promptly. To safely remove a tick, use tweezers to grasp it just above the skin and pull it out slowly and straight without squeezing.

For further information about TBE and the vaccination, please visit www.impfservice.wien/fsme-zecken-schutzimpfung.