“This age group was not chosen by chance for vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Scientific research has been conducted in Lithuania, the results of which showed that the average age of tick-borne encephalitis patients is 55 years. A large number of patients who have contracted this disease lose their ability to work, so the vaccine is starting to be compensated for people of working age. In the future, a decision will be made on expanding the age limits of the group of people who are vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis free of charge,” says Lina Reinartienė, head of the Department of Centrally Paid Medicines at VLK.
Tick-borne encephalitis affects the brain, its covering or peripheral nerves, it is one of the most serious viral infections of the human central nervous system, characterized by residual effects, sometimes even causing disability.
In Europe and Lithuania, the tick-borne encephalitis virus is usually contracted by the bite of an Ixodes ricinus tick. This type of tick is found in all districts of Lithuania. It is also possible to become infected with tick-borne encephalitis by consuming unpasteurized goat and cow milk and its products infected with this virus.
Both Lithuanian doctors and experts from the World Health Organization emphasize that vaccinations are the most effective means of preventing tick-borne encephalitis. Patients with this disease are treated only symptomatically – with drugs that reduce the symptoms of the disease. There is no specific treatment directed against the causative agent.
According to the usual vaccination plan, tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is given with an interval of 1-3 months between the first and second doses, after which immunity is formed, which completely protects a person from developing tick-borne encephalitis for one year. The third dose of the vaccine is given after 5-12 months.
Subsequently, to maintain a protective level of immunity, the first maintenance dose should be given 3 years after the third dose, with subsequent maintenance doses every 5 years after the last maintenance dose.
Depending on the situation, for example, in the warm period of the year, when ticks are already active, an accelerated vaccination scheme can be applied, where an interval of 2 weeks is maintained between the first and second doses of the vaccine. The third dose of the vaccine is given after 5-12 months. after the second dose. After that, you need to re-vaccinate with one dose every three to five years. Reliable protection is obtained only after inoculation of three doses of the vaccine, and protection may not be formed if vaccination is not completed (both with accelerated and conventional vaccination schedules).
It is important to know that the vaccine does not protect against tick-borne encephalitis if a tick bites before vaccination or within two weeks after the first dose. Vaccines guarantee protection two weeks after the second dose.
VLK pays for many vaccines against infectious diseases for adults and children with the funds of the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund. As many as 14 infectious diseases are vaccinated free of charge according to the Children’s Preventive Vaccination Calendar. Residents belonging to risk groups – from influenza, pneumococcal infection. Residents can also receive compensated vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and rabies.
Health fund specialists remind that vaccinations are the safest and most reliable protection against life-threatening infectious diseases. This not only protects every person, but also creates a safe environment for society. During the implementation of the National Program of Immunoprophylaxis for 2024-2028, it is planned to continue to increase vaccination coverage, to consider the inclusion of new vaccines in the children’s preventive vaccination calendar, to evaluate new risk groups that could be vaccinated at state funds.
For vaccinations reimbursed by health insurance funds, patients must contact their family doctor at the medical institution where they are registered.
Tags: September residents free vaccine tickborne encephalitis
