Low TBE vaccination coverage among at-risk outdoor workers

Outdoor workers in Sweden, particularly farmers and foresters, face a significant risk of tick bites and potential TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) infection, yet many lack protection. A national study by Umeå University and the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) reveals low vaccination rates among these groups.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 individuals in various outdoor professions, found that 37% of farmers and 32% of foresters reported not being vaccinated against TBE. Researcher Junwen Guo from Umeå University suggests that a lack of perceived risk contributes to this, as many individuals haven't personally experienced the disease. "When people haven't experienced the disease themselves, they think the risk is low," Guo stated.

Accessibility is another barrier. Many outdoor workers live in rural areas and must travel to urban centers for vaccinations, leading to missed opportunities. Guo noted that some expressed a desire for mobile vaccination units to visit rural areas more frequently. Employer involvement is also crucial, as vaccination costs can be a deterrent. Only about 35% of participants reported that their employer covered the vaccination costs, a figure Guo believes is even lower when considering self-employed individuals.

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When people haven't experienced the disease themselves, they think the risk is low.

While many TBE infections result in mild or no symptoms, a portion of cases lead to severe neurological issues, including encephalitis, requiring prolonged hospitalization and potentially causing lifelong residual symptoms. Ulrika Marking, an infectious disease physician at the Public Health Agency of Sweden, emphasized the severity. The agency does not issue specific recommendations for professional groups but advises vaccination for individuals exposed to ticks in risk areas. "A person who risks getting ticks is recommended to get vaccinated. If you have employees who are exposed to ticks in risk areas, it is not wrong at all for the employer to consider arranging vaccination for them," Marking said.

The number of TBE cases requiring hospital care is rising, with an average annual increase of six percent over the past decade. Despite the growing number of cases, the Public Health Agency's recommendations are based on geographical risk areas rather than specific occupations.

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A person who risks getting ticks is recommended to get vaccinated. If you have employees who are exposed to ticks in risk areas, it is not wrong at all for the employer to consider arranging vaccination for them.