As the tick season approaches, residents of Zealand have increasingly chosen to vaccinate themselves against the feared TBE virus, which can be transmitted from ticks to humans. The State Serum Institute (SSI) has reported a significant increase in the number of vaccinations, especially in Zealand, where demand has reached new heights. In 2023, North Zealand saw a quadrupling in the number of TBE vaccinations, from around 500 to about 2000 per 100,000 inhabitants. Nationwide, over 89,000 doses were administered, which is about three times the normal annual consumption. This trend seems to continue into 2024, where already in the first months, 11,550 people have been vaccinated against the virus across the 47 clinics of the Danish Doctors Vaccinations Services.
According to Tanja Sølvkjær, Group CEO of Danish Doctors Vaccinations Services, the demand is greater “than ever before.” She adds that particularly in April, vaccination clinics have been busy, partly due to the Danish travel activity to countries like Sweden and increased outdoor activities. TBE, or central European encephalitis, is a serious disease without specific treatment. Although the disease in many cases resolves on its own, around 35 percent of patients who experience severe symptoms develop permanent aftereffects. This underscores the importance of preventive vaccination for those who are in risk areas. SSI points out that the primary risk areas for TBE in Denmark are still on Bornholm and in Tisvilde Forest and its surroundings, but there may also be some risk of transmission elsewhere on Zealand.
Departmental doctor Peter Henrik Andersen from SSI therefore advises people who frequently visit forest areas with confirmed cases of infection to consider vaccination. It is important that the right people are vaccinated to prevent the spread of TBE most effectively. An overview of disease occurrence from SSI shows that last year, five cases were detected on Bornholm and two in Tisvilde Forest and its surroundings, highlighting the risks associated with these areas.