Vaccination against tick - borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease of the central nervous system spread by ticks that can be severe and cause meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, the protective layer surrounding the brain and spine) or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and meninges). Most patients recover, but complications such as balance and coordination problems, limb paralysis, headaches, impaired concentration, and memory may persist. ​​Tick-borne encephalitis is endemic to Estonia, so it is therefore recommended that all pregnant women in Estonia be vaccinated against the disease. Estonian ticks are active from April to September. In 2019, 83 people were infected with tick-borne encephalitis in Estonia. Only vaccination provides protection against tick-borne encephalitis. The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine contains an inactivated virus and is therefore safe for use in pregnant mothers. If the pregnant woman has not previously been vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis, a complete vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis consisting of three injections should be performed. The first two are done one month apart and the third one a year after giving birth. After two injections, immunity has been established, but only for one season. The third injection prolongs immunity, which then only needs to be renewed every three to five years via a booster injection. An infant can be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis following their first birthday. Thus, a pregnant woman can grant her child passive immunity for its first year, until it can be vaccinated. A pregnant woman can be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis all year round, but the best time to do so is by March, before the high tick season.

Our immunization pricing includes a midwife visit and the issuance of a vaccination passport.

See: Vaccination during pregnancy