I am going to keep this post brief.
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| Deer Tick: a vector of Lyme Disease |
There is scholarly perspective in Clinical Infectious Diseases on Lyme Disease vaccination- lessons learned. Unlike most other infectious diseases, there is a tremendous amount of misunderstanding, shady science, advocacy groups, and emotion associated with Lyme Disease. Despite Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines , based on best available evidence, certain physicians and advocacy groups choose to adhere to different diagnostic and treatment perspectives. For example, I refer you to International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).
With a strong anti-vaccine sentiment and history of class action lawsuits in the USA, a complicated vaccine administration schedule and low public demand for the vaccine, the LYMERix manufacturer voluntarily terminated vaccine production of the vaccine in 2002.
To quote the manuscript- ‘‘.media focus and swings of public opinion can pre-empt the scientific weighing of risks and benefits in determining success or failure’’
Many hurdles remain for a new Lyme Disease vaccine, not the least of which is interpreting and reporting the science in an informed, clear and unemotional fashion.
Good luck with that.
