TBE Vaccine Schedule, Doses and Side Effects
A clear look at the TBE vaccine schedule, how many doses you need, how long protection lasts, boosters, and the side effects to expect. Available in Sutton with TicoVac.
A clear look at the TBE vaccine schedule, how many doses you need, how long protection lasts, boosters, and the side effects to expect. Available in Sutton with TicoVac, £75 a dose.
Once you have decided the TBE vaccine is right for your trip, the practical questions follow: how many doses, how far apart, how long it lasts, and what side effects to expect. This guide answers them clearly. For the bigger picture on risk areas and who needs the vaccine, see our main guide to the TBE vaccine in Sutton.
How many doses, and how far apart
The full TBE course is three doses of TicoVac. On the standard adult schedule, the second dose is given one to three months after the first, and the third five to twelve months after the second. Good protection is reached after the second dose, which is useful when a trip is coming up, but the third dose is what gives the longer-lasting cover.
Adults who are short on time can use an accelerated schedule, with the first two doses just two weeks apart, then the third dose five to twelve months later. We cover that route fully in our guide to the last-minute TBE vaccine. Children aged 1 to 15 have TicoVac Junior, a lower dose, on the standard three-dose schedule.
How long protection lasts, and boosters
After the full three-dose course, protection lasts around three years. If you remain at risk, a first booster is recommended at least three years after completing the primary course, and further boosters every three to five years after that. Older adults may be advised to have a booster at the three-year mark, as immune response can wane a little faster with age. Our pharmacist will note your dates and advise on when a booster is due. Our full TBE vaccine guide for Sutton has more on planning your course.
Side effects to expect
TicoVac has a well-established safety record, and it contains no live virus, so it cannot give you TBE. Most side effects are mild and pass within a day or two.
In adults, the most common effects are pain or tenderness where the injection was given, along with headache, tiredness, muscle aches, fever and sometimes nausea. Dizziness and vomiting are less common. In children, local tenderness, restlessness and a raised temperature are the effects most often reported. Serious allergic reactions are rare. Because fainting can occasionally follow any injection, we ask you to stay with us for a short while after your dose.
Who should take extra care
A few groups should discuss the vaccine with our pharmacist first. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we will weigh up the risk of exposure against the limited safety data before proceeding. If your immune system is weakened, your response to the vaccine may be reduced, so we will talk through the benefits and any alternatives. And if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any ingredient in TicoVac, the vaccine may not be suitable. If you are unwell with a fever on the day, we will usually wait until you have recovered.
Booking and stock in Sutton
At Gaiger Pharmacy we offer TBE vaccination with TicoVac at £75 a dose through our travel clinic, with no GP referral and no waiting list. TicoVac has been in short supply across the UK during 2026, so please call us on 020 8643 6787 to check current availability before you plan around an appointment. Our pharmacist will map the doses to your travel dates and, if you are heading to a risk area, review any other vaccines you may need. You can see where those areas are in our guide to the countries that need the TBE vaccine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get good protection from two doses?
Yes, good protection is reached after the second dose, which helps when a trip is near. The third dose completes the course and extends how long that protection lasts.
How long does the vaccine last?
About three years after the full three-dose course. A booster is recommended after that if you remain at risk, usually every three to five years.
What are the most common side effects?
A sore arm, headache, tiredness, muscle aches and sometimes a mild fever, usually settling within a day or two.
Can children have TicoVac?
Yes. TicoVac Junior is for children aged 1 to 15 at a lower dose, on the standard three-dose schedule. Our pharmacist will advise for your child.
How much is it and how do I book?
£75 a dose at Gaiger Pharmacy. Call 020 8643 6787 to check stock and book, or see our main TBE vaccine guide for the full detail.
