Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is present in multiple regions of Germany, with risk varying by location and activity.
Higher-risk federal states include:
- Bavaria
- Baden-Württemberg
- Hesse
- Thuringia
- Saxony
- Saxony-Anhalt
Additional risk areas include parts of:
- Brandenburg
- Lower Saxony
- North Rhine-Westphalia
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- Saarland
Risk is highest between:
Activities associated with increased risk include:
- Hiking and trekking
- Camping and outdoor stays
- Forestry or agricultural work
- Foraging
- Time spent in woodland, meadows or rural gardens
Urban travel in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich carries minimal risk.
TBE vaccination is available at our pharmacist-led travel clinic following an individual travel risk assessment.
Accelerated dosing schedules may be suitable for some last-minute travellers depending on time before departure.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is also present in the same tick habitats and seasons.
There is no vaccine for Lyme disease.
To reduce risk:
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin
- Wear long trousers in grassy or wooded areas
- Check skin daily after outdoor activity
- Remove ticks promptly using a tick removal tool
Polio Booster Check
Vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 has been detected in environmental surveillance samples in Germany.
A polio booster is recommended if your last dose was more than 10 years ago.
Other Health Risks
Rare alimentary (food-borne) TBE has been documented in parts of southern Germany, particularly linked to unpasteurised dairy products.
Travellers should:
- Avoid unpasteurised milk and dairy products in rural areas
- Follow standard food hygiene precautions
Standard road traffic and outdoor activity safety precautions also apply.
Rabies
Rabies risk in Germany is extremely low, but bat-associated lyssaviruses remain present.
Pre-exposure vaccination may be considered for:
- Bat handlers
- Cavers
- Veterinarians
- Wildlife professionals
If exposed:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes
- Apply antiseptic if available
- Attend hospital or A&E immediately
Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is hospital-only treatment and is not available in UK community pharmacies.
When to Book
We recommend booking your Germany travel health consultation four to six weeks before departure.
If TBE vaccination is required, early booking is advised. Accelerated schedules may still be possible depending on timing.
What We Can Supply
Vaccines provided during consultation are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your appointment.
During your visit we can:
- Assess your itinerary and travel health risks
- Provide personalised vaccination advice
- Administer appropriate travel vaccines
- Support insect bite prevention planning
- Refer to Independent Prescribers where required
Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports travellers from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with Germany travel vaccinations and personalised travel health consultations.
Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.
