According to the National Public Health Center (NVSC), on average, about 400-500 residents of the country fall ill with this tick-borne disease every year.
Currently, vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis are paid. The most reliable protection against tick-borne encephalitis is guaranteed by 3 doses of vaccinations, but taking into account the vaccination prices, Lithuanian residents currently have to pay around 100 euros.
But the good news is that people aged 50-55 will be able to get vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis for free from September this year, the NVSC said.
A serious and insidious disease
Tick-borne encephalitis is a natural focal human disease caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus, which affects the brain, its coverings or peripheral nerves. It is one of the most severe viral infections of the human central nervous system, characterized by residual effects that sometimes lead to disability.
“The disease begins with fever, headache, weakness, chills, nausea, sometimes diarrhea. These symptoms usually appear after 7-14 days. from infection, after which the condition improves, but usually after a week there is a second wave of the disease, which is characterized by a high temperature, the virus reaches the brain and causes its inflammation”, explains Milda Žygutienė, chief specialist of the Infectious Diseases Management Department of the NVSC, explaining the course of the disease.
Vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent serious illness
The Austrian experience confirms that vaccination is the most effective means of protection against tick-borne encephalitis. Since 1982 Universal human vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis has been launched in Austria. Currently, when 80-90 percent of the country’s population have been vaccinated against this disease, cases of tick-borne encephalitis have decreased more than 12 times.
When vaccinating according to the usual schedule, the first two doses are given 1-3 months apart, then the third and booster doses vary depending on the vaccine manufacturer, but usually the third dose is given 5-12 months after the second. The first booster dose is given 3 years after the third dose of tick-borne encephalitis.
The most reliable and longest protection is guaranteed by 3 vaccination doses: about 99%. those vaccinated acquire resistance to tick-borne encephalitis for 3-5 years. Therefore, it is important to remember that the immunity acquired after vaccination weakens over time, so it is necessary to constantly maintain it and continue to be vaccinated with booster doses.
“Vaccines against tick-borne encephalitis are paid. I am glad that the decision has been made from September 1. vaccinate 50-55 years old senior citizens free of charge.
By the way, this age group registers the highest number of sick persons, so we hope that residents of this age group will not miss such an opportunity to get vaccinated.
Currently, according to the order of the Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, persons whose activities are related to work in nature can be vaccinated at the employer’s expense,” says the NVSC representative.
NVSC reminds that it is always advisable to choose appropriate clothing when out in nature (ticks are easier to spot on light-colored clothing) and use repellents (tick repellants).
