Vaccines and vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an emerging viral zoonosis with a wide geographic distribution across Eurasia.
• TBE can be fatal, and there is no specific antiviral treatment available.
• Four licensed prophylactic vaccines exist, adhering to WHO manufacturing standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of TBE vaccines.
• To assess the available data on vaccine safety and efficacy.
• To highlight the need for further research on long-term protection.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trial data and postmarketing surveillance for TBE vaccines.
• Analysis of published literature on vaccine effectiveness.
• Examination of global vaccination recommendations and WHO guidelines.

Main Results:

• Two European TBE vaccines demonstrated safety and efficacy in clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance.
• Two Russian TBE vaccines show effectiveness in practical use, but with limited controlled trial data.
• Vaccination recommendations and public programs for TBE vary significantly across endemic regions.

Conclusions:

• Existing TBE vaccines are crucial for prevention, with European vaccines well-documented for safety and efficacy.
• Further research is essential to fully understand the long-term safety, efficacy, and protective duration of all TBE vaccines.
• Standardized data collection and reporting are needed to inform evidence-based TBE vaccination strategies globally.