When an infected tick bites a human who has been vaccinated with the Lyme disease vaccine, the vaccine-induced antibodies interact with the B. burgdorferi organisms and prevent their transmission. The vaccine is indicated for persons 15 years of age and older who are at risk of infection from Lyme disease. This includes people who work outdoors or participate in recreational activities in grassy or wooded areas where Lyme disease is endemic. Lyme disease vaccination consists of a series of three doses. Sixty per cent of people are protected after two doses.
Reactions are usually mild to moderate in nature, and are limited in duration.
The Lyme disease vaccine is a suspension, and must be shaken well before administration. It should be stored under refrigeration. The product is used to promote the healing of full-thickness, lower extremity ulcers in patients with diabetes. Becaplermin is a recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor. It acts similarly to naturally derived growth factor in that it promotes the chemotactic recruitment and proliferation of cells involved in wound repair.