Tick Season Spurs Interest in Potential Lyme Disease Vaccine

At the Busch Shooting Range in Weldon Spring, Missouri, Matthew Mealer displays his targets in May. A cautious stance toward new vaccines generally defines Mealer. However, if a Lyme disease vaccine proves safe and effective, he would consider it. Climate change is expanding tick populations, raising the risk for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Pfizer and Valneva plan to seek approval for a new Lyme vaccine, aiming to fill a void left after the cancellation of a previous version due to side effects concerns.

As the vaccine moves toward potential approval, it faces a mixed reception, especially from populations typically skeptical of vaccines. Ashley Kirzinger from KFF Health News highlights resistance among rural conservative groups, such as hunters, who spend significant time in tick-prone areas. Jess Manganelli, an active hunter, is optimistic about the vaccine, given her frequent outdoor exposure. Her past experience with tick-related symptoms underscores her interest. Most hunters express cautious curiosity, needing more safety and efficacy data before deciding.

“Given my proclivity for the outdoors, absolutely,” commented Manganelli.

Lyme disease can be challenging to diagnose and treat, often demanding long and difficult medical journeys. Notable cases include Steven Rinella, host of the show MeatEater, and his son, both of whom contracted Lyme. While his son recovered swiftly, Rinella endured prolonged symptoms and rigorous treatments. Understanding such experiences, Rinella supports the Lyme vaccine, recognizing the lack of long-term immunity post-infection.

Jeremy Hollingshead’s exposure to a roommate’s Lyme struggle informs his hesitance about the vaccine. Despite knowing only one person with Lyme amidst many outdoors enthusiasts, Hollingshead deems his risk low. Conversely, Julian Barnes’s family experience with Lyme brings him closer to considering vaccination. Although generally vaccine-hesitant, the impact of Lyme on loved ones sways his view.

The new vaccine, requiring four doses, showed a 75% reduction in Lyme cases during trials, though it missed some trial benchmarks. Regulatory submission is planned, with no current updates, per a Pfizer spokesperson. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocates Lyme research, influencing potential vaccine acceptance. Known for anti-vaccine activism, Kennedy’s endorsement could mitigate resistance among his followers.

Only one hunter, JP Cummings, expressed definite disinterest in the vaccine, willing instead to rely on natural resilience. Yet, he remains interested in how other hunters perceive the vaccine as further details emerge.

“Hunters care about the wildlife; hunters care about health,” stated Cummings.

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