Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine for Canadian Travellers — Who Needs It & Schedule
- Virtual consultation with a physician$110
- Vaccine and medication pricesSee our price list
No tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is sold in Canada. Our physician explains how to get it at your destination.
Not covered by OHIP; most extended health plans reimburse, and we give itemised receipts.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a serious viral brain infection transmitted by Ixodes ticks in forested areas of Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and parts of Asia. TBE can cause permanent neurological damage or death. The TBE vaccine is strongly recommended for travellers planning outdoor activities — hiking, camping, cycling — in endemic regions. No TBE vaccine is available in Canada; the Government of Canada’s travel advice says it may be available at your destination, so travellers at high risk arrange it with a health care provider there.
Last updated .
What it protects against
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), transmitted by the bite of Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks. No antiviral treatment exists once infected — prevention is the only effective strategy.
Who should get it
- •Hikers, campers, cyclists, and outdoor travellers in endemic regions
- •Travellers to forested areas of Central and Eastern Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany, Switzerland)
- •Travellers to Scandinavia (southern Sweden, Finland)
- •Travellers to Russia, Baltic States, parts of China and Japan
- •Anyone with tick exposure risk in endemic areas
Not recommended for
- •Severe allergy to protamine sulphate or any TBE vaccine component
- •Seek physician advice if history of neurological conditions
Destinations where Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is recommended
Side effects & safety
- Injection-site soreness or redness
- Occasional headache or low-grade fever
- Well-tolerated overall — similar to other inactivated vaccines
Key facts
- 1TBE is NOT prevented by standard tick repellent alone — vaccination is required for reliable protection
- 2Risk is highest April–November when ticks are active
- 3Urban tourists in city centres are at negligible risk — risk is rural, forested, and outdoor
- 4No TBE vaccine is currently marketed in Canada — it is arranged with a health care provider at your destination
- 5DEET repellent + tick checks remain important even when vaccinated
Get vaccinated at our Toronto travel clinic
Book a virtual consultation with our physicians, then visit our Toronto pharmacy for vaccination. We serve patients from across the GTA — including Mississauga, Etobicoke, and across Toronto.
Wondering what it costs? See travel vaccine prices and what insurance covers.
Need the tick-borne encephalitis (tbe) for your trip?
A $110 virtual consultation with a licensed physician. We review your itinerary, issue the prescription, and administer the vaccine in Toronto or send it to your pharmacy.
Frequently asked: Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine
Do I need TBE vaccine for hiking in Austria?
Yes — Austria is one of the highest-risk countries for tick-borne encephalitis in Europe. If you’re hiking, cycling, or camping in rural or forested areas of Austria (especially outside major cities like Vienna), TBE vaccination is strongly recommended. The risk in Vienna city centre itself is negligible.
Is TBE vaccine needed for a trip to Germany?
For Germany, TBE vaccination is recommended for travellers spending time outdoors in endemic regions — primarily Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany. If you’re only visiting major cities (Berlin, Munich city, Hamburg), the risk is very low and vaccination may not be necessary. Our physician reviews your specific itinerary.
How much does the TBE vaccine cost in Canada?
There is no Canadian price: no TBE vaccine is currently marketed in Canada (Health Canada’s drug database lists FSME-Immun’s authorization as cancelled). The Government of Canada’s travel advice says it may be available at your destination, so travellers at high risk arrange it with a health care provider there. Our physician can assess whether you need it.
Can I get the TBE vaccine on an accelerated schedule?
Yes, for people 16 and older — the second dose can be given as early as 14 days after the first, with the third dose 5–12 months after the second. This is appropriate for last-minute travel. A two-dose accelerated series provides about 1 year of protection; the third dose extends it to 3 years.
Explore other travel vaccines
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Recommendations vary based on your health history, destination, and planned activities. A consultation with our licensed physician is required before any prescription or vaccine is issued.