TBE viruses are particularly dangerous pathogens – they can also be transmitted by ticks and trigger tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), i.e. an inflammation of the brain and meninges. The overall risk is low. Because according to… Robert Koch Institute Only a fraction of all ticks carry the TBE virus, and not every infection leads to serious illness. But: If you get sick, there is a risk of serious consequences such as paralysis, cramps, severe headaches and even permanent damage. About 1 percent of those affected die.
The number of TBE illnesses fluctuates
In 2023 the Robert Koch Institute A total of 475 TBE illnesses were reported – slightly fewer than in 2022. Overall, the number of cases varies greatly from year to year. It was particularly low in 2012, with 195 infections, and reached a high in 2020, with 712 TBE illnesses.
180 districts are considered TBE risk areas
Based on reported TBE diseases, the Robert Koch Institute annually identifies regions in Germany where there is a high risk of infection. The number of these so-called TBE risk areas increased again in 2024 – in two districts, for a total of 180.
The newly added districts border known risk areas: this is the case in Brandenburg Frankfurt city district (Oder)in Thuringia Altenburger Land District.
The majority of TBE risk regions are located in southern Germany, especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. But the danger is spreading north. There are now risk areas in southern Hesse, southeast Thuringia, Saxony and, since 2022, southeast Brandenburg. Individual risk areas are also located in central Hesse, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt and Saarland.
©RKI
Vaccination against TBE: In risk areas, the insurance company pays
The Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccination against TBE for people in German risk areas. Health insurance companies cover the costs. The institute also recommends TBE vaccination for foreign travel to certain countries. These include, for example, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland. An overview of all countries can be found in the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination Vaccinations for travel.
Tip: If you are traveling to the country in question and know you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, vaccination is an option. Travel vaccinations are not a standard service offered by health insurers – but many still cover the costs. Check with your health insurer. We provide information about additional vaccine insurance benefits Health Insurance Comparison.
Three syringes are required for tick vaccination
The “tick vaccination” is recommended for children and adults who stay temporarily or permanently in TBE areas and spend a lot of time in nature.
Basic immunization. It consists of three vaccinations: the first two doses are generally administered two weeks to three months apart – protection only occurs 14 days after the second vaccination. For long-term prevention, you need to be vaccinated again five to twelve months later.
Quick scheme. If it is urgent, in exceptional cases, a rapid basic immunization schedule offers relatively short-term protection: depending on the vaccine, two or three vaccinations are administered within a maximum period of 21 days. Vaccinated people are protected against TBE approximately three weeks after the first peak. Another vaccination may be needed around 5 to 18 months later – it is best to consult your doctor.
Refreshing. Depending on the age of the vaccinated person, the immunization must be repeated every three to five years if there is additional risk – talk to your doctor.