If you want to get the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine in the United States, visit a travel medicine clinic, primary care office, pediatric practice, or pharmacy that can order or administer TICOVAC.
The United States has one FDA-approved tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, TICOVAC, for people age 1 year and older.
TBE is uncommon among travelers, and the virus does not occur in the United States.
You may still need to discuss vaccination if you plan extended outdoor exposure in affected areas of Europe or Asia.
A clinician can review your destination, itinerary, travel season, activities, and health history before recommending vaccination.
Places That Offer TICOVAC in the United States
Pfizer manufactures TICOVAC, and selected healthcare locations offer it.
Availability varies, so confirm that a clinic or pharmacy has the vaccine before scheduling your appointment.
Travel Medicine Clinics
Travel medicine clinics evaluate travelers and may stock vaccines that are not routinely available at primary care visits.
Use the TICOVAC provider search with your ZIP code, then contact the listed location to confirm availability, appointment requirements, and administration fees.
Primary Care and Pediatric Practices
Your primary care clinician may order TICOVAC or refer you to a travel clinic.
Pediatric practices can discuss vaccination for children age 1 year and older, including age-specific dosing and scheduling.
Bring your destination details, departure date, planned activities, and vaccination records.
Your clinician can also review medical conditions, allergies, and other vaccines you may need.
Participating Pharmacies
Some pharmacies offer travel vaccinations, but not every location keeps TICOVAC in stock.
Pharmacy services and eligibility rules can differ by state and location.
Check a pharmacy locator, such as Walgreens’ TBE vaccination listings, then call the specific store before booking.
How to Confirm Local Stock
Ask these questions when you call:
- Do you currently have TICOVAC available?
- Can you administer it to your age group?
- Do you need a prescription or travel consultation?
- Can you provide all doses in the recommended series?
- What are the vaccine and administration costs?
Call directly to confirm, as provider directories may not always be current.
Who Should Consider Vaccination Before Travel
The CDC guidance for healthcare providers recommends TBE vaccination for selected travelers rather than for most people visiting affected regions.
Your personal risk depends on where you go, when you travel, how long you stay, and how much time you spend outdoors.
Destinations With TBE Virus
TBE virus occurs in parts of Europe and Asia, especially in wooded and forested areas.
Your clinician can check the specific countries and regions on your itinerary because risk may vary within a country.
Outdoor Exposure That Raises Risk
You may have greater exposure during hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, forestry work, or other activities in tick habitats.
Longer stays during periods of tick activity can increase your chances of a tick bite.
Eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy products in affected regions may also carry risk, as infected animals can transmit the virus through raw milk or cheese.
CDC and ACIP Travel Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend vaccination for people moving to or traveling in TBE-endemic areas with extensive tick exposure.
ACIP guidance also supports considering vaccination for certain travelers with repeated or substantial outdoor exposure, longer itineraries, or factors that could increase the risk of severe illness.
Preventing Tick Bites Alongside Vaccination
Vaccination does not replace tick precautions.
Use an EPA-registered repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, tuck pants into socks when practical, stay on cleared trails, and inspect your body, clothing, and gear after outdoor activities.
Remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers.
Avoid raw milk and unpasteurized cheese in areas where TBE virus occurs.
Timing, Doses, and Booster Planning
TICOVAC provides active immunization through a primary series.
The FDA-approved product information lists different dose volumes for younger children and adults.
Three-Dose Schedule for Adults
For adults age 16 and older, the primary series consists of three intramuscular doses.
Dose one is given at your first visit.
Dose two is given 14 days to 3 months after dose one.
Dose three is given 5 to 12 months after dose two.
Complete the standard schedule at least one week before possible exposure when travel timing allows.
Follow your clinician’s instructions if your itinerary requires a compressed schedule.
Schedule for Children and Adolescents
For children and adolescents age 1 through 15 years, TICOVAC uses the pediatric dose volume.
The series also includes three doses, with timing based on the product schedule and your child’s age.
Ask the child’s clinician to coordinate the schedule with school, sports, travel, and other routine immunizations.
When a Booster Dose May Be Needed
A booster dose may be considered at least three years after the primary series when continued or renewed exposure is expected.
Your need for a booster dose depends on your age, itinerary, future activities, and clinician’s assessment.
Why to Book Before Your Trip
Booking early gives you time to complete the series, address delayed appointments, and receive destination-specific advice.
It also allows a clinic or pharmacy to order TICOVAC if it is not routinely stocked.
Safety Questions to Discuss With a Provider
Before vaccination, tell your provider about prior adverse reactions, allergies, current medicines, pregnancy, immune conditions, and recent illness.
The TICOVAC safety information can support a personalized discussion of risks and benefits.
Common Adverse Reactions
Common reactions may include local tenderness or pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, fever, and muscle pain.
Children may also experience restlessness or irritability.
These effects are generally temporary.
Ask your provider what to expect and which measures are appropriate if symptoms occur.
Allergy and Medical History Considerations
Tell your provider if you previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to TICOVAC, any ingredient, or another vaccine.
TICOVAC contains albumin, so discuss known albumin allergies and other relevant medical history before receiving a dose.
Seek emergency care for signs of anaphylaxis, including hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
A vaccination provider may observe you briefly after injection for this reason.
When and How to Report Side Effects
Contact your clinician about concerning or persistent symptoms.
You or your provider can report suspected vaccine problems to VAERS, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.
For product-related adverse-event reporting, call Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985 using the TICOVAC ordering and safety information.
The FDA and CDC monitor vaccine safety by reviewing reports, but a VAERS report alone does not prove that the vaccine caused an event.
