TBE--update on vaccination recommendations for children, adolescents, and adults.

Vaccines against tick-born encephalitis (TBE) are well established in Europe. Two highly immunogenic and safe products are available, FSME-IMMUN and Encepur. Extensive research has been published regarding all aspects of standard and rapid immunization schedules, covaccination, and vaccine interchangeability. Long-term effectiveness and resulting recommendations for booster intervals remain topics of discussion. Vaccination is recommended in Switzerland and in Germany for adults and children living in, or travelling to, endemic areas. Austria has recommended universal vaccination since 1981. It is noteworthy that Austria is the only country in Europe that has experienced a decrease in caseload during the last 20 years. This is almost certainly due to the very high vaccine coverage rate of 86 %.