FSME Vaccination
On this page, you can read all about the disease FSME (Früh Sommer Meningo Encephalitis) and vaccinating against it at Vaccination Point. Are you travelling to a region where you are at risk of infection? Then schedule your appointment at one of our locations on time and travel safely.
What is FSME?
FSME is a virus infection of the brain spread by ticks. Ticks can be found almost everywhere in the world, but they are by no means all infected with the FSME virus. They live mainly in natural areas and lurk in tall grasses or low bushes. As soon as a human or animal passes by, they bite into their skin. Ticks can transmit several viruses, including the FSME virus. People become infected through the bite of an infected tick.
Most FSME infections happen in summer or early autumn, when ticks are most numerous. It is important to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents, to prevent tick bites.
Where does it occur?
Ticks infected with FSME occur in central and eastern European countries, the Balkans, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, eastern France, Austria and southern Germany. In the Netherlands, the virus does not occur.
Symptoms and risks
In most cases, FSME progresses without serious symptoms, however, infected persons may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea. In one in three infected persons, the infection spreads to the central nervous system and can lead to severe symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting and, in rare cases, even tremors or paralysis.
As there is no specific antiviral treatment for FSME, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent FSME. It is also important to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents, to prevent tick bites.
The time between becoming infected and getting sick is about 7 to 14 days.
Vaccine series
Three doses at intervals of 1 and 6-12 months
Protection duration
At least 3 years
Risk areas
Central and Eastern Europe
Vaccinating against FSME
Vaccination Point is the place to go for vaccination against FSME. The FSME vaccination consists of a series of 3 doses spread over a period of 0, 1 and 6 to 12 months. After complete vaccination, you are protected against FSME for at least three years.
Vaccination against FSME is never mandatory, but is recommended in high-risk areas.
Costs and fees
For the current cost of the FSME vaccination, please take a look at the rates page. Please note! These amounts do not include (telephone) consultation fees. Depending on your health insurance, (part of) the vaccination may be reimbursed. See our fees page for possible reimbursement through your insurance.
Make an appointment immediately!
Wondering if you need an FSME vaccination for your trip? Then make an appointment now at a Vaccination Point location near you and receive personalised travel and vaccination advice!
- Appointment made in one minute
- Also available evenings and weekends
- Reimbursed via your insurer
- LCR-registered
- 80+ locations in the Netherlands
Still have questions?
Do you still have questions about vaccinations at Vaccinatiepunt? Then take a look at the frequently asked questions below!
You can always check our website first for each destination. Then you can make an make an appointment. Our team will process your application; if it turns out that you do not need vaccinations, the appointment will be cancelled.
Ultimately, you decide for yourself. Vaccination Point can only advise which vaccinations are necessary for your trip or which vaccinations are recommended.
This is certainly possible. Almost all vaccinations can be given at the same time. With live attenuated vaccines, however, it is not recommended to take them at the same time, as this can significantly reduce the duration of protection of a vaccine. It is then recommended to leave at least four weeks between the two vaccines so that both maintain their full protection duration.
Some vaccinations require multiple doses at intervals of several weeks or months, so it is advisable to start arranging your vaccinations as early as possible. This will also give your immune system time to build up adequate protection. The timing depends on the nature and duration of your trip. As a guideline: for simple trips, make an appointment for the first consultation 4 - 8 weeks before departure, and for long-term or high-risk trips, more than six months in advance.
This question will be answered by the nurse during the consultation. You would do well to ask your treating doctor/specialist early on whether there are any objections from his/her side to your planned trip.
