Tick season is in full swing, and it's shaping up to be one of the worst in a decade. Climate change is expanding the range where ticks can survive, exposing more and more Americans to these parasites and the health conditions they can cause, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the alpha-gal-triggered red meat allergy, and Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is the most common of these conditions, and a new vaccine may be on the horizon. Pharmaceutical companies are planning to seek regulatory approval for a vaccine to protect against Lyme disease, which could provide some relief for those at risk. However, the vaccine's reception in rural areas, where Lyme disease is more prevalent, remains uncertain.
A recent survey conducted by KFF Health News found that hunters, who are among the most exposed to ticks, skew conservative, rural, and male. These demographics are associated with increased hesitancy about or resistance to vaccines. However, the survey also found that many hunters are aware of the risks associated with Lyme disease and are open to considering the new vaccine.
Several hunters who spoke with KFF Health News expressed interest in the vaccine, although some expressed concerns about its safety and effectiveness. One hunter, Jess Manganelli, said she would definitely consider the vaccine, citing her own experience with tick-borne illness. Manganelli believes she may have contracted Lyme disease in the past, although she was never formally diagnosed.
Other hunters, such as Matthew Mealer and Jeremy Hollingshead, expressed skepticism about the vaccine, citing concerns about its safety and effectiveness. However, they also acknowledged the risks associated with Lyme disease and the importance of taking preventative measures.
The new vaccine candidate is about 75% effective in reducing cases, according to the companies developing it. However, it technically missed one of the bars set out in trials because not enough participants contracted Lyme. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been an advocate for Lyme disease research and treatment, which could help to promote the vaccine's adoption.
However, the vaccine's reception may be influenced by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. New polling from KFF shows that people who don't have a trusted medical provider and those who use social media and AI for health information are more likely to believe common vaccine myths.
Ultimately, the decision to get vaccinated against Lyme disease will depend on individual circumstances and risk factors. As one hunter, JP Cummings, said, "Hunters care about the wildlife; hunters care about health." By staying informed and taking preventative measures, hunters and others can reduce their risk of contracting Lyme disease and stay healthy.
