Timing
At least a few weeks before travel to allow 2 doses to be given.
Typical course
2 doses several weeks apart for the standard schedule, with a third dose for longer-term protection.
Often relevant for
- forested regions of Central and Eastern Europe
- parts of Scandinavia and the Baltics
The virus is spread by tick bites in wooded and rural areas, so risk depends heavily on the specific itinerary rather than the country as a whole, hiking and camping trips carry far more risk than a city break.
Tick bite precautions, such as appropriate clothing and checking skin after being outdoors, remain important even for vaccinated travellers.
This jab is requested far less often than hepatitis A or typhoid, but is worth raising specifically if an itinerary includes rural walking, cycling or camping in an affected region.
Not sure if you need this one?
A travel health consultation looks at your whole itinerary, not just one vaccine.
See our travel vaccination consultation service →Other vaccines
