A new study shows that the 600,000 people who received the vaccine for Lyme disease may be at increased risk for developing a crippling form of arthritis caused by the vaccine . In Philadelphia, a lawsuit has been filed against the makers of the vaccine. If you are receiving the booster series, please have the test for the genetic marker before continuing.
Some doctors believe that additional shots can increase the likelihood of contracting the arthritis.
If you are thinking about getting the vaccine, make sure you don't carry the genetic marker before you start. If you have had the vaccine, call your doctor and let him know if you have muscle or joint pain. The best treatment is still vigilant tick detection. Wear long sleeves, white colors, use repellant, and inspect your body after being outdoors. If you pull off a dear tick which you think has been there more than a day, call your doctor and start the antibiotic therapy with doxycycline.