Lyme disease vaccines in the works at Moderna, Pfizer

BOSTON - As temperatures rise, so do the number of ticks and the risk of Lyme disease. But the good news is an effective vaccine is on the horizon.

It's estimated that nearly half a million Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease every year. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause a skin rash, fever, headache, and fatigue and can progress to inflammation of the joints, nervous system, and heart.  

There is currently no vaccine available for humans but that may soon change.

Earlier this month, Moderna announced it is working on two Lyme disease vaccines and Pfizer plans to submit an application to the FDA in the next two years for its Lyme vaccine, which is in late-stage clinical trials. Scientists are also working on better ways to test people for Lyme.

In the meantime, the best way to protect yourself is to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and check your skin regularly for ticks.

In:
• Health
• Lyme Disease

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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