Medisys Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination in Canada

Tick Borne Encephalitis Description
TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) is a viral disease transmitted by ticks. The virus attacks the nervous system and can result in long-term neurological symptoms and even death. TBE can cause both mild and severe illnesses, with permanent consequences such as disorders of the autonomic nervous system, concentration problems, paralysis and depression.

A confirmed case of TBE is defined as a febrile patient with clinical signs/ symptoms of meningitis or meningoencephalitis, mild to moderate elevation of cell counts in CSF, and the presence of serum IgM and/or IgG antibodies against TBE virus. A recent stay in a TBE-endemic area or facultative history of tick bite can assist with identifying a TBE patient. The actual diagnosis of TBE must be established in the laboratory.

Methods of Transmission
TBE is transmitted through bites from infected ticks. The Ixodes ricinus tick (commonly referred to as the castor-bean tick) is prevalent across Europe. Not every tick transmits the dangerous TBE virus, but the rate of infestation in some elevated-risk areas can be high. Those who engage in outdoor recreation sports such as hiking, biking and camping are at elevated risk. The following countries have been identified as TBE-endemic regions:

Symptoms
The typical clinical picture of TBE is characterized by a biphasic course with non-specific influenza-like symptoms, followed by an asymptomatic interval and a second stage of the disease with at least four clinical manifestations of different severity: meningitis, meningoencephalitis, meningoencephalomyelitis, meningoradiculoneuritis. Patients may experience just one of the phases. Up to 46% of patients are left with permanent sequelae and need many years of treatment and rehabilitation.

Prevention
TBE is easily prevented by vaccination. FSME-IMMUN is the only registered TBE vaccine in Canada. Over 100 million doses of FSME-IMMUN have been administered worldwide. Travellers to TBE-endemic regions are advised to receive the TBE vaccination.

Treatment
There is no therapy for TBE. Since there is no specific treatment targeting the TBE virus, symptomatic treatment of patients with TBE is required. Strict bed rest for 10 days is imperative

Duration of Immunity
There is a protection rate of above 90% after the second vaccination and above 97% after completion of the primary vaccination schedule (3 doses). The seropositivity rates as determined by ELISA and NT three years after the third vaccination were 87.7% and 94.2% respectively.

Montreal Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
500 Sherbrooke Street West, 11th Floor
Montreal, Quebec H3A 3C6
Appointments: 514-499-2772
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Quebec City Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
3175, chemin des Quatre-Bourgeois, Suite 380
Québec, Québec G1W 2K7
Appointments: 418 681-0167
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Toronto Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
123 Edward Street, Suite 505
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1E2
Appointments: 416-730-5700
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95 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M4V 1N6
Appointments: 416-926-2698
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Guelph Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
83 Dawson Road, Suite 101
Guelph, Ontario N1H 1B1
Appointments: 519-840-0106
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Ottawa Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
1545 Carling Ave, Suite 210
Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 8P9
Appointments: 613-521-8313
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Calgary Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
321 6th Ave SW - Suite 960
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H3
Appointments: 403-232-6244
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Vancouver Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
1090 West Pender, 11th Floor
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2N7
Appointments: 604-681-2400
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