Bozen – Residents of South Tyrol now have the opportunity to protect themselves against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral disease transmitted through tick bites, as the Südtiroler Sanitätsbetrieb (South Tyrol Health District) launches its annual vaccination campaign. Pre-registration opened today, March 5th, 2026, with vaccination appointments scheduled between March 10th and 13th.
Following successful initiatives in previous years, the health district is encouraging all South Tyroleans to remain vigilant about TBE and to consider vaccination as a preventative measure. The campaign aims to provide accessible vaccination opportunities throughout the region, with appointments available in Meran, Brixen, Bruneck, and Bozen. This proactive approach comes ahead of the warmer months, when tick activity increases, raising the risk of infection. The Südtiroler Sanitätsbetrieb emphasizes that prevention is the first step in protecting health, particularly for those most at risk.
Vaccination Schedule and Availability
The vaccination campaign will offer both first and second doses, as well as booster shots. Specific dates and locations are as follows:
- Meran: March 10th, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Blood Draw, Krankenhaus Meran
- Brixen: March 11th, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Hygiene Service, Krankenhaus Brixen
- Bruneck: March 12th, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Blood Draw, Krankenhaus Bruneck
- Bozen: March 13th, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Vaccination Center, Krankenhaus Bozen (Neue Klinik)
this is not an open-access event; appointments are required and must be booked through the Einheitliche Landesvormerkzentrale at 0471/0472/0473/0474 100 100. The vaccination offer is exclusively for residents of South Tyrol.
Understanding Tick-Borne Encephalitis
According to Dr. Silvia Spertini, Director of the Hygiene and Public Health Service (SISP) of the Südtiroler Sanitätsbetrieb, TBE is a viral disease that can have serious consequences. She explained that vaccination is the most effective way to protect oneself, especially for individuals who spend a significant amount of time outdoors. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks.
Dr. Josef Widmann, Director of the Health District, added that offering the TBE vaccination before the onset of warmer weather is a timely and appropriate measure to safeguard the health of the South Tyrolean population. He emphasized the importance of preventative healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups. UnserTirol24 reports that the health district will continue to provide information about the dangers of the disease and the benefits of vaccination.
The Südtiroler Sanitätsbetrieb plans to continue the vaccination campaign throughout the spring with additional appointments, details of which will be announced through their official channels. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves against TBE.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
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