Ticks are as safe as an unwelcome summer sign.

Between April and October, there is a risk of being infected with tick-borne meningitis (TBE), although most are infected during the summer.

But those who plan to get vaccinated against TBE this year should think a little extra before planning their injections.

The vaccine should not be taken too close to the covid-19 vaccine.

- Covid-19 is a new vaccine and you want to be observant of any side effects.

Therefore, you should not give several vaccinations at the same time, in order to be able to distinguish which possible side effects you get from which vaccine, explains Elda Sparrelid, chief physician in the Stockholm Region.

One week apart

The recommendation is that you should not be vaccinated against TBE seven days before and seven days after you have been vaccinated against covid-19.

TBE is usually given in three doses to get adequate protection, while the corona vaccine is given in two doses.

However, Sparrelid points out that it is not dangerous for the vaccine to be mixed.

- This applies to all vaccines.

You should not give up a vaccine that is necessary, tetanus if you have received a major wound injury, for example, because you have been covid vaccinated two days before.

"Good with a couple of doses before the summer"

For people in the younger part of the population, who have to wait a while longer for corona vaccine, it is a good idea to book for TBE vaccination right now, Sparrelid thinks.

Especially if you live in areas with a lot of forest and land and have planned to spend a lot of time out in nature this summer.

- If you have never received a dose, it is good to have time to get a couple of doses before the summer, then you are pretty well protected.

The pandemic also means that many people are out in nature more than before, she says.

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Hear entomologist Anders Lindström answer five claims about ticks.

Photo: SVT.