As pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Valneva prepare to seek regulatory approval for a new Lyme disease vaccine, individuals who spend significant time in tick-prone environments are expressing a mix of interest and caution.<\/p>\n
Hunters, who are frequently exposed to ticks due to their outdoor activities, were surveyed by KFF Health News regarding their potential reception to a newly developed vaccine. The range of ticks, and consequently the diseases they carry like Lyme, have expanded significantly, with an estimated 476,000 people in the U.S. being diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease annually, according to the CDC. Untreated Lyme disease can lead to symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to arthritis and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.<\/p>\n
Jess Manganelli, a hunter who spoke with KFF Health News, stated she would consider the vaccine due to her frequent outdoor exposure. She also believes she may have contracted Lyme disease previously, experiencing symptoms like muscle weakness and fatigue after a tick bite, though she was not formally diagnosed.<\/p>\n
Many hunters know individuals who have dealt with Lyme disease, often facing challenges with diagnosis and treatment. Steven Rinella, host of the hunting show MeatEater, recounted contracting Lyme disease 13 years ago, which resulted in lingering symptoms for months for him and Bell’s palsy for his son. Rinella expressed strong interest in a safe and effective vaccine, noting that prior infection does not grant permanent immunity.<\/p>\n
While some, like Manganelli and Rinella, are open to the vaccine, others expressed a need for more information. Six of the eight individuals interviewed by KFF Health News indicated they would consider the vaccine but would require details on its safety, effectiveness, and their personal risk of contracting the disease. Jeremy Hollingshead, for instance, cited a former roommate\u2019s difficult experience with Lyme disease, which he believes still has lingering effects a decade later, making him less inclined towards a vaccine, though he perceives his personal risk as low.<\/p>\n
Julian Barnes, however, stated that witnessing a relative’s struggles with Lyme disease has made him more open to a vaccine, despite generally being vaccine-hesitant. He emphasized the importance of understanding how the vaccine works.<\/p>\n
One individual, JP Cummings, expressed a lack of personal interest, attributing his approach to faith and personal resilience. However, he remains curious about how others in his community will respond as more information becomes available.<\/p>\n
The development of the current Lyme disease vaccine candidate, which requires four doses, has shown about 75% effectiveness in reducing cases, though it reportedly missed one trial benchmark due to insufficient participant Lyme infections. Pfizer has not provided updates on their regulatory efforts.<\/p>\n
The political landscape surrounding vaccine approvals could also play a role. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously been an anti-vaccine activist, has also championed efforts to combat Lyme disease. His administration has initiated programs aimed at addressing the illness, and he has spoken about his family\u2019s personal connection to Lyme disease. According to Ashley Kirzinger of KFF, an endorsement from Kennedy could significantly influence vaccine acceptance among his supporters, who are often vaccine-skeptical.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As a Lyme disease vaccine nears potential approval, hunters, a demographic highly exposed to ticks, express cautious optimism and a need for more information on safety and effectiveness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2277,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[2366,1737,1729,2365,302],"yoast_head":"\n