Wild Game Recipes Best of the Net!

Commonly Asked Questions About LYMErix

What is LYMErix? LYMErix is a new genetically engineered vaccine that prevents Lyme disease by killing the bacterium that causes infection. LYMErix contains a protein called ospA adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxide.

How does LYMErix work? After your first does of LYMErix, your body’s immune system should begin to produce the antibodies needed to attach the germ that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia Burgdorferi (bo-re’-le-a berg-dor’-fer-I). When a tick bites you and draws a blood meal, it ingests these antibodies present in the blood. If that tick is infected with the organism that causes Lyme disease, your antibodies will kill those Borrelia burgdorferi germs inside of the tick and prevent them from ever entering your body.

Do I need to be vaccinated with LYMErix more than once?For optimal protection, you need to receive 3 LYMErix vaccinations over a 1-year period. After your first dose,  you should have your second dose 1 month later and your third dose 11 months after that.

Is there a chance I might get Lyme disease from LYMErix? No. There is no risk of getting Lyme disease from LYMErix since it cannot cause infection.

Can everyone in my family get vaccinated with LYMErix? LYMErix has been proven safe and effective for people 15 through 70 years of age. Safety and efficacy in pediatric subjects younger than 15 years of age have not been evaluated. LYMErix is not indicated for any other age group at this time. There is, however, a large-scale, clinical study currently under way to determine the safety and effectiveness of LYMErix in children as young as 4 years of age.

How can I be confident LYMErix will protect me?
LYMErix has been proven effective in a large-scale, pivotal study which was conducted in 10 different states with 10,936 individuals 15 through 70 years of ago. As with any vaccine, LYMErix may not protect 100% of individuals.

If I’ve already had Lyme disease, do I still need to get vaccinated with LYMErix?  Yes. Even if you have been successfully treated for Lyme disease, you are still at risk. Unlike other diseases you may be aware of, people don’t develop resistance to Lyme disease after infection. In fact, if you contracted Lyme disease once, you may continue to be at high risk for getting Lyme disease because you most likely live, work or recreate in areas where Lyme disease is present.

Can LYMErix treat a current Lyme disease infection?
No. LYMErix is not a treatment for Lyme disease, it is only used for the prevention of Lyme disease. Once your current infection has been treated; however, you can get vaccinated to prevent future infections.

Will LYMErix affect my future laboratory test for Lyme disease? After vaccination with LYMErix, you should be aware that  LYMErix may cause a false-positive result if your blood is tested for Lyme disease by an ELISA blood test.
However, LYMErix does not affect the diagnosis of Lyme disease using the Western blot blood test, as long as it is interpreted according to criteria recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP).

Does LYMErix have any side effects?
LYMErix is generally safe and well tolerated. In clinical studies, the most common side effects were local injection-site reactions including redness and swelling, flu-like symptoms, arthralgias and myalgias. The majority of these reactions were mild-to-moderate in severity and short-lived.

Are there any individuals who should not receive LYMErix?
LYMErix should not be given to people with know hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine.  LYMErix should not be given to pregnant or lactating women, unless clearly needed. You should consult your doctor if you have any questions about whether or not LYMErix is right for you.

What happens if I don’t get all 3 LYMErix vaccinations?
If you miss a dose of LYMErix, try to reschedule your appointment as soon as possible because completion of the vaccination series is important to optimize protection. To help you remember to receive all of your LYMErix doses, LYMErix is supported by a free program call LYMEtrax.

As a participant in this special program, you will automatically receive friendly reminders before each dose is due. To enroll, talk with your doctor.

In addition to vaccination with LYMErix are there any other steps I can take to prevent Lyme disease?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent Lyme disease; however, you should also follow basic tick-avoidance steps to ensure protection against Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. When in tick territory (e.g., wooded or brushy areas), you should still use tick repellent and dress appropriately (e.g., wear light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants). Also, make sure you carefully check your body and clothes for ticks.