The TBE vaccine is available at all three Anna Pharmacy branches:
398 Green Wrythe Lane
Carshalton Sutton
SM5 1JF
United Kingdom
186 London Rd, Hackbridge
Wallington
SM6 7FW
United Kingdom
We also welcome patients from Croydon, Richmond, Epsom, Stoneleigh, and Wallington. Whichever branch is most convenient, our team is ready to help.
TBE is caused by a virus carried by certain ticks found in woodland, grassland, and scrubby vegetation across most of Europe, Russia, and parts of Asia including China and Japan. The virus can also, less commonly, be acquired by consuming unpasteurised milk or dairy products from infected animals.
Ticks infected with TBE are present in the UK, but the risk here is very low. The risk is considerably higher in parts of central and eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia, particularly during warmer months when ticks are most active.
Vaccination is recommended for travellers heading to countries where TBE is prevalent who plan to spend time outdoors in wooded or rural areas. It is particularly relevant for those who are:
Most people infected with TBE have no symptoms. When they do appear, the illness often develops in two phases. The first phase typically begins around a week after a tick bite and includes:
These initial symptoms usually resolve on their own. In a small number of people, however, the virus progresses to affect the brain.
Warning signs of this more serious phase include a severe headache with a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, seizures, sudden confusion or slurred speech, and weakness in part of the body. If any of these develop after visiting a tick-risk area, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. TBE can be life-threatening and early treatment is critical.
Here is what to expect when you book your TBE vaccination appointment with us:
Our pharmacist will review your destination, planned activities, and health history to confirm whether TBE vaccination is appropriate and help you plan your dose schedule around your departure date.
We will administer your vaccine and help you plan any follow-up doses needed to complete the course in time for travel, or to build longer-term protection if you visit risk areas regularly.
Vaccination reduces but does not eliminate risk. We will advise on clothing, DEET-based repellents, and how to check for and safely remove ticks after time spent outdoors, giving you a comprehensive protection plan for your trip.
If outdoor activities are on your travel agenda, TBE protection is worth taking seriously. Book your travel health appointment at any of our three branches today and head off with the right cover in place.
The TBE risk in urban areas is very low. Vaccination is primarily recommended for those planning outdoor activities in forested or rural areas where ticks are present. If your trip is entirely city-based, the vaccine is unlikely to be necessary, but our pharmacists will assess your specific itinerary and give you an honest recommendation.