Maximum protection from the vaccine requires three doses. The first two doses are given a month apart, and the third dose should be given 11 months after the second. Ideally, all 3 doses should be completed one month prior to the anticipated tick-exposure. Studies are underway. The need for booster doses has not yet been determined.
Studies are ongoing.
The safety of Lyme disease vaccine administered during pregnancy has not been established. Vaccination of women who are known to be pregnant is not recommended. Lyme disease is the most common insect-transmitted disease in the United States. About 12,000 to 13,000 cases are reported to CDC each year, primarily from states in the northeast, mid-Atlantic, upper midwest, and from northern California. The disease is characterized by a rash, fever, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.