A shot to prevent Lyme disease could be on its way (outsideonline.com)

Article summary

A new antibody shot, called Lyme PREP, is being developed to prevent Lyme disease infection after a tick bite. The shot works by delivering antibodies that neutralize the Lyme microbe, stopping it from spreading to the bloodstream. Lyme disease is a growing concern, with cases rising sharply over the past decade, and current treatments often failing to fully eliminate the infection. The new shot aims to provide a preventative measure, especially for people living in high-risk areas.

Main themes

• Lyme disease prevention
• vaccine development
• antivax movement
• legal liability
• public health policy
• disease control measures

What commenters say

• The antivax movement is blamed for the removal of a previously available Lyme disease vaccine from the market due to unfounded concerns and lawsuits.
• Some argue that the legal system is imperfect and can lead to frivolous lawsuits, making companies hesitant to develop and market vaccines.
• Others believe that companies should be held liable for injuries caused by their products, including vaccines, to ensure accountability and safety.
• The effectiveness of vaccines in achieving herd immunity is questioned, with examples of outbreaks in highly vaccinated populations.
• The role of lockdowns in controlling the spread of diseases is debated, with some arguing that harsher and longer lockdowns could be effective, while others point to examples of countries with different approaches having varying outcomes.
• The concept of antivax activism is complex and can manifest in different ways, including harassment and protests against vaccination sites.
• There is disagreement over the balance between vaccine safety and liability, with some arguing that the risk of adverse effects is low and that companies should not be deterred from developing vaccines due to fear of lawsuits.