Ticks carry two diseases that can be dangerous to humans: Lyme disease, caused by bacteria, and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral disease. The number of TBE cases has increased in Finland over the past ten years. During the previous surveillance period, from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, a total of 228 cases of TBE were reported to the Infectious Diseases Register maintained by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). A vaccine that provides good protection against TBE, commonly known as the tick vaccine, is available. The vaccine is suitable for children over one year of age and adults.You can always come to get vaccinated without an appointment!
There are two different TBE vaccines available. The two vaccines are interchangeable, meaning that a vaccination series started with one vaccine can be continued with the other.
The primary vaccination series consists of three doses for everyone. The second dose is given 1–3 months after the first dose, and the third dose is given 5–12 months after the second dose (or 9–12 months later depending on the vaccine).
The first booster is given to everyone three years after the third dose of the primary series, regardless of age.
Subsequent booster doses are given according to age:
Under 50 years: booster every 10 years
50–59 years: booster every 5 years
60 years and over: booster every 3 years
People with a weakened immune system due to treatment or illness: booster every 3 years
Duration of protection provided by the TBE vaccine
After completing the primary vaccination series, protection against TBE should be maintained with booster doses for as long as protection is needed, i.e. if you spend time outdoors in areas where TBE occurs. The first booster dose should be given to everyone, regardless of age, three years after completing the primary vaccination series. After that, booster doses are given at intervals of 3–10 years, depending on age. See the schedule above.
Side effects of the TBE vaccine
The TBE vaccine is generally well tolerated. The most common vaccination reactions are local symptoms at the injection site, such as redness and pain.
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TBE vaccine for children
The TBE vaccine can be given to children from 1 year of age. Even young children can develop severe TBE. Although the risk of severe disease and paralysis increases with age, significant long-term neurological symptoms, such as learning difficulties, behavioural problems and memory problems, are common in children and adolescents following TBE infection. Children of all ages are welcome at our vaccination clinics.
TBE vaccine and pregnancy
The benefits and potential risks of vaccinating pregnant women are always carefully considered. Unnecessary vaccinations are generally avoided during pregnancy. Based on a doctor's assessment, TBE vaccination may be considered in special circumstances during pregnancy.
Rokotepalvelu is one of Finland’s leading private vaccination service providers. We operate in several cities with our vaccination clinics and mobile vaccination buses, making it easy for you to access vaccinations when and where you need them. Our vaccination and travel health specialists help ensure you receive the right protection for your needs. You’re welcome to visit us in the way that suits you best – with or without an appointment.
Always qualified healthcare professionals
Specialists in vaccinating children and people with needle anxiety
We record all vaccinations in Omakanta and send reminders for upcoming vaccinations
The vaccination series can be started at any time of year, but it is recommended to receive the first two doses before the start of the tick season. It is important to complete all three doses, as the first dose does not yet provide sufficient protection against TBE. After the primary series, protection is maintained with booster doses.
Accelerated TBE vaccination schedule
If immediate protection is needed, one of the two available TBE vaccines can also be administered according to an accelerated three-dose schedule: days 0, 7 and 21.
The first booster dose is given 12–18 months after the third dose. The second booster is given 5 years after the previous dose for people aged 1–49, and 3 years after the previous dose for people aged 50 and over and for those who are immunocompromised. Subsequent booster doses are given according to the standard age-based schedule.
With both vaccine products, the interval between the first and second doses can, if necessary, be shortened to two weeks. The third dose is then given as usual 5–12 months after the second dose (or 9–12 months later depending on the vaccine). If rapid protection against TBE is needed, we primarily recommend the accelerated three-dose schedule (days 0, 7 and 21 + booster at 12–18 months) to ensure adequate protection.
