Can I get a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine?

Questions about whether it is possible to wash after a tick vaccination, how long it is impossible to wet the place of vaccination, and what will happen if this happens by chance - the information will be useful for those who are going to leave to regions where the risk of contracting infectious encephalitis with parasite bites is high enough .

Vaccination Procedure

Encephalitis vaccine not required. It is included in the list of procedures that are carried out according to epidemic indications. There are regions in Russia where outbreaks of infectious diseases often occur, which include tick-borne encephalitis. This disease is especially severe, because it can affect the nervous system and brain, causing paralysis and other negative consequences for the human body, including death.

If people live in a dangerous region or are going to go there, then to protect against possible complications from tick bites and others blood sucking parasites he is vaccinated.

On a note!

According to statistics, 20% ticksexamined in dangerous regions are infected with the encephalitis virus, and in the parasite’s body it can live up to 4 years. This means that every 5th bite can lead to the development of the disease.

Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination schedule

In order for the body to develop stable immunity to the virus, vaccination must be done in 2 stages:

• the first vaccine is administered in the autumn months to prepare for the epidemic season (spring-summer);
• then the next immunization is carried out, the interval between them is from 4 weeks to 3 months - this allows you to develop stable immunity in the patient’s body for 1 season;
• revaccination is possible only after 9-12 months.

An accelerated vaccine is carried out with emergency cases according to the scheme: first, then 2nd after 2 weeks and 3rd after 3 months.

Important!

Dangerous territory, where the highest incidence of tick-borne encephalitis, has a large extent. It starts from central Russia and stretches to Siberia and the Far East. The number of deaths due to infection reaches in some regions up to 2%.

The vaccine is administered subcutaneously in the region of the scapula or deltoid muscle on the back, and in recent years intramuscular injections have been performed in the shoulder region - the method depends on the manufacturer and the composition of the drug.

Important!

When vaccinating, the doctor usually says that damaged skin cannot be wetted, that is, it is not recommended to take a shower, lie in the bathtub or steam in the bathhouse for the next few days.

Can or not swim after vaccination

Any injection of a drug involves mechanical damage to the skin at the injection site. Therefore, the natural question arises: is it possible to wet the tick vaccine?

It is clear that pathogens are able to penetrate the wound from the injection. Therefore, washing with water, which contains a certain number of bacteria, can provoke the development of the inflammatory process. When bathing in the shower with a washcloth, it is possible to rub injured skin at the injection site.Therefore, many experts are advised not to wash after vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis for at least 1-2 days. This is the period needed to ensure that the wound heals completely.

What to do if accidentally wet

There are situations when wetting the place of vaccination from tick-borne encephalitis occurs by chance, because of which many can panic. Doctors believe that there is nothing wrong with this situation. If you accidentally wet the vaccine with plain water, then it should be blotted with a clean towel or napkin, but do not apply force or rub it.

On a note!

The only real danger in this situation occurs when a wound gets wet with dirty water in a person with low immunity.

If, after vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis or around it, redness, rash, or suppuration appears near the wound, you should immediately consult a doctor because of a possible individual adverse reaction to the vaccine or infection.