Do you work outdoors a lot? Protect yourself with the TBE vaccine
Written by: Lisanne | Published: 6 May 2026
More ticks, more risk
Are you often in nature for work? Then you’re at risk of a tick bite. Many people are familiar with Lyme disease, but there’s another risk that’s becoming increasingly common: TBE, or tick-borne encephalitis.
TBE is a viral infection that can cause brain inflammation. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain. In some cases, permanent symptoms can develop, such as paralysis. Because TBE is a virus, antibiotics are ineffective.
The good news: there is a safe and effective vaccine.
What is the difference between Lyme disease and TBE?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria. TBE is caused by a virus. There is no vaccine against Lyme disease. There is one against TBE. That is why it may be wise to get vaccinated if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Where does TBE occur?
TBE occurs in areas with dense forests and tall grass. It is found primarily in:
- Scandinavia and Eastern Europe
- Austria, Switzerland, and Southern Germany
- And, recently, in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Sallandse Heuvelrug and parts of North Brabant are high-risk areas. The risk is greatest in the spring and summer.
Who should consider getting the TBE vaccine?
Do you spend a lot of time working outdoors? If so, you are more likely to be bitten by a tick. The Health Council recommends the vaccine for people who spend a lot of time outdoors and are at risk several times a year.
This applies to:
- Landscape gardeners and gardeners;
- Forest rangers and land managers;
- People in forestry and horticulture;
- Military units in the field;
- Ecologists, biologists, and researchers;
- Volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts.
How does the TBE vaccine work?
The vaccine consists of three doses. You receive the first two doses one month apart. The third dose is given five to twelve months later. After that, you are protected for three years
For longer-term protection, you can get a booster shot. The vaccine is well-tolerated. Side effects are usually mild, such as fatigue or muscle pain.
You can easily get a TBE vaccination at Vaccinatiecentrum.nl. In some cases, the vaccination is covered by your employer or supplemental health insurance. Check with your supervisor or health insurer for details. You can find the current costs on our price page: View prices
Double your protection: with a vaccine and preventive measures
The TBE vaccine protects you against tick-borne encephalitis. It does not protect against Lyme disease. That’s why it’s wise to always take extra precautions:
- Wear long sleeves and pants;
- Use an insect repellent such as DEET;
- Check yourself for ticks afterward.
Only the TBE vaccine offers specific protection against the virus.
Make an appointment today
Do you often work outdoors or in nature? Then don’t wait. Get vaccinated on time. At vaccinatiecentrum.nl, we provide you with the right advice and the right protection.
Avoid unpleasant surprises while travelling
Written by: Marchel | Published: 14 October 2019
Avoid unpleasant surprises while travelling
Travel and holidays bring out both the best and the worst in people. To a large extent, you determine yourself how much strain you put on your body and mind. Of course, you also depend on the circumstances and on what you encounter along the way. That is partly what makes travelling an adventure.
There is a lot you can do to avoid unpleasant surprises. Getting vaccinated against diseases is an important first step, and receiving proper advice about this is essential.
There is a great deal of useful information available online to help you make informed choices. However, expert guidance remains essential. Not only when deciding whether to get vaccinated and against which diseases, but especially when it comes to understanding what it is like to travel in exotic countries.
During the preparation phase, our experienced nurses and doctors support you with practical advice based on real travel experience under primitive conditions. They help you not only with information about vaccinations and malaria, but also with understanding what happens to your body when you travel. For example, travelling and the stress that comes with it can affect your overall immune system. And your natural resistance is often your best protection against diseases in general.
In my opinion, the psychological and emotional aspects of travelling should also be discussed.
Experience, age, the duration of the trip, how the itinerary is planned — or whether there is no plan at all — all play a role.
It regularly happens that while travelling, people are overwhelmed by a sense of freedom, causing them to do things they would normally say: “I would never do that.”
Or afterwards they think: “How on earth could I have done that?”
This feeling often affects people who are travelling for several months for the first time and who underestimate the impact such a journey can have on their lives. Another factor is that travel is often idealised: it is supposed to be “fun.” Especially during long trips, feelings of loneliness, insecurity and stress can regularly arise.
In the coming period, I will try to share more about these topics.