About Lyme Disease Vaccines
Lyme disease is a debilitating illness that is caused by tick bites. It usually begins with a small, bull's eye-shaped rash and, if untreated, can cause joint pain, sore throats, headaches and a host of other ailments. Currently, there is no vaccine on the market to prevent Lyme disease, but one recently introduced vaccination seemed to hold great promise in preventing the illness until it was removed voluntarily by its makers in 2002. Here is information on that vaccine, as well as others that may be in the works.
Time Frame
The FDA approved the first Lyme disease vaccination in 1998. Marketed under the brand name Lymerix, it was initially approved for use in people 15 to 70 years old. The vaccine was designed to be delivered in three separate doses over a one year period.
Function
Lymerix stimulated antibodies to fight the bacterium "Borrelia bergdorferi," which were transmitted to people through tick bites. Although it was not effective 100 percent of the time, the vaccine was considered a good option for people that spent a great deal of time outdoors.
Controversy
In February of 2002, the makers of Lymerix, GlaxoSmithKline, voluntarily removed the vaccine from the market, attributing the move to poor sales. However, there was much speculation about the actual reasons for its withdrawal, and advocacy groups believe that any new vaccines approved should be studied more carefully before being administered to the public.
In the Works
In 2008, the Czechs developed a vaccination against Lyme disease, and in 2007, the University of Rhode Island's Center for Vector Borne Disease teamed up with Pakistani researchers to collaborate on a study to develop another vaccination against tick-related illnesses. Currently, however, there is no vaccination for the disease available in the United States.
Prevention/Solution
In the absence of an effective vaccination program, the best way to guard against Lyme disease is to take preventative measures whenever you are in areas that may be infested with ticks. Use an insect repellent, and remove ticks promptly when you see them.
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