In last ten years, public awareness for Lymes Disease has gone up. However, the numbers of cases reported continue to increase. That is why newer Immunization against Lymes disease is a major breakthrough
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration licensed the first vaccine on December 21, 1998 to prevent Lymes Disease. Studies reveal that, this vaccine is safe and effective and is available for people in age group between 15 to 70 years. Therefore, it is better to be vaccinated to avoid being infected with Lymes disease.
Doctors are still looking ahead to find a newer solution to get completely immune against Lymes disease and they are very positive about this. FDA has licensed a newest vaccine recently. That is LYMErix<TM> (SmithKline Beecham). Other vaccines such as ImuLyme<TM> (Pasteur Merieux Company) are still under trial.
You need to know that, these vaccines are just for preventive purposes and not for treating Lymes Disease. If you get Lymes disease, you need to consult your doctor and intake antibiotics. Antibiotics are found to be very effective against this disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have records of 86,967 cases of Lymes disease. These cases are registered in the U.S. between 1992 and 1998. The numbers are staggering.
Now, more people are aware of Lymes disease and their prevention. Even medical researchers have come up with new vaccines to combat against Lymes disease. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has printed instructions for people. These guidelines are vital for safety and efficacy about the Lyme disease vaccine.
The Lyme disease vaccines are not tested for Children less than age of 15 years. This has become a major issue since children are at high risk of being infected with this disease. However, trials to find vaccines for children are underway and medical researchers are positive about this.
Future Considerations:
Medical research considers focusing more on following points in future:
- Finding optimal dosages for the available drugs and its step by step administration on a body of a patient.
- Keeping a record of all the reports of impact on public health and economy due to this disease.
- Finding a proper solution to get the information on how the vaccine works in different regions of the world.
- Extensive study of effectiveness of these immunizations on children.
- Effective immunization for older people as well.
- Supply of information sheet to prospective vaccine recipients or to persons at the time of vaccine administration.
- Vaccine education for vaccine clients and care providers.
In last ten years, public awareness for Lymes Disease has gone up. However, the numbers of cases reported continue to increase. That is why newer Immunization against Lymes disease is a major breakthrough. So, take care.
