Latvia extends encephalitis vaccine interval

After extensive research, Latvian health authorities have extended the recommended interval for receiving the vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis, Latvian Radio reported on February 2. Until now, it was recommended that a booster vaccine be received every five years, and every three years for seniors. Now, after the first four vaccines, the interval is ten years, said State Immunization Council (ZVA) head Dace Zavadska. Latvia has been carrying out national-level research about tick-borne encephalitis since 2016, said Zavadska. “We can brag this time because we are the only country in Europa that has, with national research, proved what others have done regionally,” Zavadska said. Zavadska said the changes also apply to children. Like adults, children have a ten-year gap to the next booster vaccine after the fourth vaccine. Vaccination helps to avoid developing tick-borne encephalitis, which can often be severe. “Patients are admitted inpatient and the most common form [encephalitis] is meningitis, or inflammation of...