Potential Lyme Disease Vaccine Sparks Debate Among Hunters

Matthew Mealer and fellow hunters at Busch Shooting Range in Weldon Spring, Missouri, express skepticism toward new vaccines. However, Mealer might consider a Lyme disease vaccine if it proves safe and effective.

Tick season is upon us, potentially the worst in a decade. Climate change is increasing exposure to ticks, leading to more cases of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal-triggered red meat allergy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports around 476,000 Lyme disease diagnoses in the U.S. annually. Lyme disease symptoms vary, including fevers, arthritis, and neurological damage.

Pfizer and Valneva plan to seek regulatory approval for a Lyme disease vaccine. A previous vaccine was discontinued due to lawsuits and public fear. Public hesitancy persists, particularly in the post-COVID era. KFF Health News spoke to hunters, typically conservative and vaccine-hesitant, to gauge their willingness to take a new vaccine for Lyme disease.

Hunters like Jess Manganelli, familiar with tick exposure, express interest in a vaccine. Manganelli experienced potential Lyme disease symptoms but was not formally diagnosed. Familiarity with Lyme challenges influences opinions. Steven Rinella, a hunting show host, discusses his and his son’s battle with Lyme. Both recovered, but Rinella’s symptoms persisted for months, requiring extensive treatment. This experience makes him receptive to a vaccine if safe and effective.

Some hunters remain hesitant. Jeremy Hollingshead is cautious due to a roommate’s ongoing Lyme disease struggles, though he acknowledges its debilitating effects. Julian Barnes is generally vaccine-hesitant but knows the impact of Lyme firsthand, making him open to a vaccine pending further information.

Pfizer’s vaccine candidate shows 75% efficacy but missed trial benchmarks. Regulatory approval efforts continue. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine stance, has announced Lyme disease initiatives, which may influence vaccine acceptance among skeptics. KFF’s Kirzinger suggests Kennedy’s endorsement might reduce resistance, given his influence on health matters.

Hunter JP Cummings is uninterested in the vaccine and trusts his own resilience but remains curious about fellow hunters’ decisions. KFF Health News continues to cover health issues comprehensively.