Ticks are receiving increasing attention in Hungary as well, since they can transmit several diseases that can have serious health consequences. Many people believe that there is a vaccine that provides protection against all tick-borne infections, but unfortunately, this is not the case.
In this article, we’ll explain what tick vaccines are available, what they protect against, how to protect yourself against ticks, and how to safely remove a tick from a person or a pet.
Is there a vaccine against ticks?
To be precise, there is a vaccine against a certain disease spread by ticks.
It is important to note that the currently available vaccine provides protection only against tick-borne viral encephalitis (tick-borne encephalitis, FSME).
This Vaccine does not protect against Lyme disease, which was published by the Borrelia are caused by bacteria. For this reason, it is important even for vaccinated individuals to protect themselves against ticks and to monitor any bites closely.
Who should get the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?
The vaccine is especially recommended for people who:
- They often go on outings in the woods or meadows,
- are involved in hunting or forestry,
- they are gardening,
- walk their dogs in natural areas,
- live in a region heavily infested with ticks,
- They spend a lot of time playing outdoor sports.
The primary immunization series consists of several doses, followed later by booster shots.
There is an article about a new vaccine against Lyme disease.
According to articles in the scientific literature and the media, a major pharmaceutical company has developed a new version of an older vaccine, Lymerix, based on a novel approach. The vaccine has not yet been approved in either the United States or Europe (as of July 2026).
The U.S. approval process has begun.
The final Phase 3 clinical trial results have not yet been published, but there have been conflicting reports regarding its efficacy in the news and in scientific publications to date.
The exact list of the vaccine’s side effects is not yet known, nor is it known what kind of protection or reaction the vaccine may elicit in subjects who have previously had a Borrelia infection or who are currently suffering from one, as these individuals were excluded from the study.
According to the research protocol, efficacy was measured in several ways: antibody levels against the six Borrelia OspA protein fragments at the end of the 4-dose series, as well as the number of Lyme disease cases diagnosed by the end of the tick season following the fourth dose.
How can we protect ourselves against ticks?
Since there is currently no routinely administered vaccine against Lyme disease, prevention is of the utmost importance.
The most effective methods:
- Wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes, with the pant legs tucked into the socks
- light-colored clothing, on which ticks are easier to spot,
- the use of tick repellents,
- a full-body check after a walk,
- checking children's posture, hair, and scalp,
- Regular checkups for pets.
How do you remove a tick from a person?
1. Use the right tool
The best choice:
- specialized tick-removal tweezers with fine tips,
- tick removal spoon,
- tick removal hook.
2. Grasp the tick close to the skin
Always grasp the tick as close to its head or mouthparts as possible.
Don't squeeze its belly!
3. Pull it out with a smooth motion
Pull it out slowly and firmly.
No need to tighten it.
4. Disinfect the bite site
After removal, disinfect the skin, then wash your hands.
What Should We Avoid Doing?
Never:
- coat it with oil,
- Let's use some cream,
- „drown it” in alcohol,
- Let's burn it,
- Squeeze the tick's body.
These methods can increase the likelihood that a tick will transmit an infectious agent into the body.
How do you remove a tick from a dog or cat?
Similar rules apply to pets as well.
- Let's calm the animal down.
- Let's part the hair.
- Use a tick removal hook or tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin.
- Remove it with a smooth motion.
- Let's disinfect the area.
If your pet becomes lethargic, runs a fever, loses its appetite, or starts limping, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
What should we watch out for after a tick bite?
Most tick bites do not cause illness, but it is a good idea to watch for any symptoms for a few weeks.
See a doctor if you experience:
- spreading redness,
- fever,
- headache,
- muscle or joint pain,
- stiff neck,
- numbness,
- facial paralysis,
- chronic fatigue
One of the most well-known symptoms of Lyme disease is a rosette-like rash (erythema migrans), but it is important to know that Most infected people do not show symptoms, so the full range of symptoms must be taken into account.
Summary
Vaccination plays an important role in preventing tick-borne viral encephalitis, however does not provide protection against Lyme disease. There is currently no vaccine approved in Europe for Lyme disease. Therefore, it remains essential to dress appropriately, use tick repellents, check your body regularly, and remove any ticks as soon as possible and in a proper manner.
If you experience unusual symptoms after a tick bite, or if your symptoms persist, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and proper evaluation can be crucial in the treatment of tick-borne diseases.
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