Swedish health agency experts answer public questions on TBE vaccine in live chat

The Swedish public broadcaster SVT is hosting a live question-and-answer session on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccines, featuring two experts from the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The chat, which began at 12:30 local time, addresses concerns about vaccination, symptoms, and prevention as TBE cases rise.

Infection specialist Ulrika Marking and investigator Caroline Schönning, both from the agency’s vaccination and zoonosis units, are responding to reader questions. The session follows updated TBE vaccine recommendations issued this week by the Public Health Agency, which noted a 6% increase in TBE cases over the past decade.

Key topics include vaccine safety and efficacy, risk groups for severe illness, immunity duration, missed booster doses, and symptom recognition. The agency also advises protective clothing—such as tucked-in long pants—and thorough body checks to remove ticks before they attach.

TBE, a viral infection transmitted primarily by ticks, is most prevalent in southern and central Sweden (Götaland and Svealand). Two approved vaccines, FSME-IMMUN and Encepur, are available for individuals aged one and older. While tick-borne TBE risk remains low per bite, it increases with repeated exposure.

The Public Health Agency provides a risk-area map for Sweden and emphasizes prompt medical attention for symptoms like fever, headache, or neurological signs.