Perhaps you are planning to travel or work in some countries in Europe or Asia. When we go, we take care of many things, and it is also very important to protect ourselves from some of the diseases that are common in those countries. Today, we are talking about a disease called "tick-borne encephalitis", which is especially common among those who travel to forest areas, and the vaccine to protect against it.
Simply put, what is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)?
This is a bit of a long name, so you might find it strange. Let's keep it simple. "Tick" refers to the tick we all know. This disease is transmitted through these types of ticks. "Encephalitis" refers to an infection that occurs in the brain.
So, in simple terms, Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is a disease caused by the bite of a tick carrying a specific virus, which enters our body and affects the brain and spinal cord . It starts with common symptoms like fever and headache, and can progress to serious nervous system disorders in some people. Although this disease is not common in Sri Lanka, it can be a risk for those traveling to some countries in Europe and Asia.
So what happens with this vaccine?
This vaccine, for example, is called TICOVAC, and is given to protect you from the virus that causes TBE. Imagine that our body has an army that fights against an enemy. We call it the immune system .
What this vaccine does is introduce a small, inactivated part of the dangerous TBE virus into the body. Our immune system then recognizes this foreign invader and makes "weapons" (antibodies) to fight it. Then, if the real virus ever enters the body, our "army" is trained in advance, so it destroys the virus before it causes illness.
The most important thing is that getting this vaccine does not guarantee 100% protection for everyone. However, the risk of contracting the disease and the serious consequences that can occur if you do get it is greatly reduced.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Before receiving this vaccine, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
| Do you have this condition? | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Bleeding disorders | Because the vaccine is injected into a muscle, there is a risk of bleeding or bruising. |
| Immune system problems | If your immune system is weak, the way you respond to the vaccine may change, which may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. |
| Allergies | It is mandatory to inform the doctor if you have had an allergy to a previous vaccine, medicine, food, or anything contained in this vaccine. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Special care should be taken when administering vaccines during pregnancy, so it is important to discuss this with your doctor. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | You should discuss with your doctor and come to a decision about whether or not the baby will be affected through breast milk. |
How to administer the vaccine and dosage
This vaccine is given by a doctor or trained nurse into a muscle in your arm. This is not a medicine you can take home.
This usually consists of several doses of the vaccine . It is very important to get all of these doses at the correct intervals to be fully protected. Don't forget the day you are due to get your next shot. If you can't make it on that day for some reason, call your doctor right away and schedule another appointment.
If you are giving this vaccine to children, ask your doctor about it, as special precautions are taken for children 1 year of age and older.
What are the expected side effects?
As with any vaccine, some minor side effects may occur after receiving this vaccine. However, serious side effects are very rare. Let's look at these two separately.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Serious Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Seizures | Sudden loss of consciousness and convulsions. |
| Unusual bleeding or bruising | Bleeding that does not stop even from a minor injury or the body develops unnecessary bruises. |
| 👍 Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist | |
| General characteristics |
|
If you suspect a serious side effect, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . Don't think twice.
Other medications that may interact with this vaccine
If you are taking medication for other conditions, it is important to tell your doctor about that as well, as some medications can affect the effectiveness of this vaccine.
- Blood thinners
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer
- Medications that reduce immunity
- Steroid medications, such as `Prednisone` or `Cortisone`
The most important thing is to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and even Ayurvedic medicines . Also, let him know if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Also, if you think you have accidentally ingested an overdose of this vaccine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Take-Home Message
- The TBE vaccine is an important vaccine that protects against a serious disease that is transmitted by ticks and can affect the brain. This is especially important for those traveling to high-risk countries.
- Before getting the vaccine, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.
- It is very important to receive all the required doses of vaccines on time for complete protection.
- Minor side effects such as pain at the injection site and body aches are common. However, if you experience difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or seizures, go to the hospital immediately.
- This vaccine is given by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic. It is not something that can be stored at home.
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