Hansen et al. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis virus in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Vaccine: X. 2025;24:100625. doi:10.1016/j.jvacx.2025.100625.
TBE is endemic in certain regions of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. While the disease is of relatively limited public concern in Denmark and Norway, it is considered a significant public health issue in Sweden.
A study was conducted to analyze the associations between self-reported TBE vaccination status, demographic factors, and knowledge about TBE.
Among respondents, the proportion of those vaccinated against TBE was highest in Sweden (28.5%), followed by Norway (2.3%) and Denmark (2.2%). Swedish respondents demonstrated a greater understanding of TBE compared to their Norwegian and Danish counterparts. Most Swedish respondents were aware that TBE is not transmitted between individuals and that a vaccine is available. In contrast, Danish respondents had the lowest awareness of the TBE vaccine. A larger proportion of Swedish respondents had heard of TBE and were familiar with the vaccine.
A relatively high percentage of respondents across all three countries mistakenly believed that TBE can be treated with antibiotics.
Public awareness of TBE risk areas and the availability of vaccination is essential for optimizing vaccine uptake.