Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe disease that can cause long-term complications and death. It is endemic in some regions of at least 27 European countries, as well as Central and Eastern Asia. Two TBE vaccines are available to Europeans but are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In response to a request from the Commander of USEUCOM, EIDB initiated a pathway through the U.S. Army to work with government agencies and industry partners to define the threat of TBE infection among U.S. military personnel and procure the means for them to access immunization with a U.S. licensed product. WRAIR is conducting three studies to assess the effectiveness of the currently licensed European vaccine, which has been used safely in Europe for nearly 20 years, as well as assess the threat in areas of military operational significance.
The three studies will:
- Characterize the experience (safety and immune response) of U.S. personnel with non-FDA TBE vaccine accessed on local economy and paid for by TRICARE.
- Assess retrospective and prospective threats and risks for incident TBEV infection among U.S. personnel serving in EUCOM AOR.
- Characterize the experience of U.S. personnel with non- FDA TBE vaccine(s) accessed through Emergency Use Authorization and other necessary studies required for US licensure.
- Conduct tick surveillance in EUCOM AOR regions populated by military personnel.