Re: [at-l] Ticks

[WHHAWKINS@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/20/99 10:31:09 PM EDT, thornel@ibm.net writes:

<< It may be early to know if this is worthwhile for hikers. Remember, Lyme
 disease is only one of many tick borne diseases, and relatively mild in
 comparison to Spotted Fever. I recommend discussing this new vaccine
 with a travel or infection specialist before spending the money and
 taking the vaccine.  >>

Here it the information on the vaccine, from the  
<A HREF="http://www.aldf.com/templates/LateBreakingNews.cfm">American Lyme
Disease Foundation - Late Break...</A> . There is a lot more info there. Check
out the Q&A on the vaccine.

Wildbill

FDA Approves LYMErix Vaccine (Updated 12/22/98)

LYMErix(TM), the first of two new vaccines designed to prevent Lyme disease,
has finally been approved by the FDA. The vaccine, developed by SmithKline
Beecham, is expected to be available to the public within the next several
weeks.
A second Lyme disease vaccine, ImuLyme(TM) (manufactured by Pasteur Merieux
Connaught) is still awaiting FDA approval. Both vaccines are based on
recombinant Borrelia burgdorferi Outer Surface Protein A, or Osp A (SmithKline
Beecham's vaccine also includes an adjuvant), and are designed to kill the
disease-causing spirochete within the tick before it can enter the human
bloodstream.

Neither vaccine will initially be available to children under the age of 15,
and both currently require 3 injections over a 12-month period to build
immunity to its peak level. It has not yet been determined whether additional
booster shots will be needed in subsequent years.

Please note that these vaccines are preventative, and therefore cannot be used
to treat actual symptoms of Lyme disease. Also, they will not be effective
against other tick-borne diseases such as ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and Rocky
Mountain spotted fever.
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