In the autumn of 2018, Evert Svensson's life took a drastic turn when he contracted Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) after a tick bite. The infection led to him being in a coma for several weeks, during which he was forced to sell his dairy cows and rent out his farm. Today, although he is slowly improving, his daily life has been dramatically altered as he relies on a mobility scooter and assistance for numerous everyday tasks.

Evert recalls his long journey to recovery, noting that the nerve pathways to his muscles were damaged, requiring him to find ways to stimulate them through the help of his brain and those around him. While he has made some progress in regaining function, he acknowledges that he is far from fully recovered. Despite his unfortunate experience, Evert continues to advocate for TBE vaccination, emphasizing the importance of not taking chances with such diseases.

His story highlights the complexities surrounding vaccination and the reality that, despite being fully vaccinated, there are still risks involved. The Swedish Public Health Agency has acknowledged that TBE infection can occur even after vaccination, reinforcing that preventative measures should be taken seriously. Evert's message is a call to others to prioritize their health and consider vaccination as a vital defense against TBE.