Summary of Product Characteristics ENCEPUR Adult
Two tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccines are licensed in many European countries: FSME-Immun (Pfizer) and Encepur (Bavarian Nordic). Both vaccines share very similar product characteristics and Summaries of Product Characteristics (SmPCs).
A revised version of the Encepur SmPC became effective in Germany in May 2025.
Immunization Schedules
- First dose: Day 0
- Second dose: 14 days to 3 months after the first dose
- Third dose: 9 to 12 months after the first dose
The schedule is now categorized as follows:
- Express schedule: Doses administered on Day 0, Day 7, and Day 21 (previously referred to as the “rapid schedule” in the former SmPC)
- Rapid schedule: Second dose given 14 days after the first
- Conventional schedule: Second dose administered 1 to 3 months after the first
Booster Doses
- If the express schedule is used, the first booster should be given 12 to 18 months after the last primary dose.
- If the rapid or conventional schedules are used, the first booster is administered three years after the last primary dose.
For individuals aged 12 to 49 years, subsequent booster doses may now be given every 5 to 10 years, rather than every 5 years as previously recommended.
Booster intervals should be individualized based on the person’s immune status and clinical condition, as determined by the treating healthcare professional.
For individuals aged over 49 years, the booster interval remains every 3 years.
Additional Notes
- According to official WHO recommendations, following initial vaccination with another TBE cell culture vaccine (three doses), Encepur Adults may be used for booster vaccination.
- There is no required interval between the administration of Encepur and other vaccines.
- The extension of the booster interval from 5 years to 5–10 years is supported by findings from long-term antibody persistence studies.