TBE vaccination time: Parents say they can’t afford it

Full vaccination for a family of five can cost up to 8,000 kroner. A father in Norway argues that the vaccine should be free for children.

Mina Rajasalu Kleven (7) holds her father’s hand tightly as she prepares to receive her third dose of the TBE vaccine at the Bamble health station. “It hurts a bit, but not too much,” she says. After today’s appointment, the entire family is fully vaccinated. If you want to do the same, now is the time to start.

The TBE virus is transmitted through tick bites. In 2024, 77 people were infected with this virus.

Early spring or, ideally, winter is a good time to start vaccination, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI). “Then you are ready in good time before the tick season starts,” says senior researcher Solveig Jore. Full vaccination requires three doses, but you can expect to be sufficiently protected after two doses in the first season. A recent study shows that many who become infected with the tick-borne virus can be ill for up to a year after infection.

The vaccine must be paid for by individuals. For Mina’s family, which consists of two adults and three children, the cost is 6,750 kroner with current prices. However, costs can vary from municipality to municipality. According to the Tick Centre, one dose costs approximately 400 kroner. In addition, you have to pay for the injection.

“For the children, the vaccine could be free, if I could decide,” says father Kjell Øystein Rajasalu Kleven. Some price examples can be seen below.

Price for full vaccination (3 doses)

Family of five
Two adults
Three children
Total price

Bamble: 3,600 kr / 3,150 kr / 6,750 kr
Arendal: 2,820 kr / 4,050 kr / 6,870 kr
Porsgrunn: 4,080 kr / 3,870 kr / 7,950 kr

The cost may be a reason why some families do not get the vaccine, believes Anja Sævik Halleråker, head of the Bamble health station. “It costs a bit to vaccinate a family, and not everyone has the same means,” she says.

The Kleven family has chosen to get vaccinated because they live near a forest. “I think it was around five ticks we picked off the children or the family together last year,” says Kjell. “It’s not out of fear, it’s just a precaution. The vaccine exists, so why not take it?”

Source: NRK Vestfold og Telemark