Are you reluctant to take the COVID-19 vaccine?
Hello, and welcome to another Inside Lyme Podcast. I am your host Dr. Daniel Cameron. In this episode, I will be addressing concerns from Lyme disease patients regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
I have Lyme disease patients in my practice who are concerned about contracting COVID-19 and some who are reluctant to take the vaccine. This reluctance has been referred to as “vaccine hesitancy.” In the journal Quantitative Research, Quinn and colleagues wrote, “once a vaccine [for COVID-19] is available, many Americans may be hesitant about accepting it, particularly those in minority communities.” [1]
Lyme disease vaccine
In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine to prevent Lyme disease. The vaccine, LYMErix™, was quite effective at preventing a Lyme disease rash (or Bull’s eye rash). But the vaccine was not nearly as effective at preventing other manifestations of Lyme disease, according to the LYMErix™ package insert.
After receiving the vaccine, some Lyme disease patients developed autoimmune problems. And as a result, the manufacturer SmithKline Beecham pulled it off the market in 2002 due to poor sales. The manufacturer was unable to determine if the autoimmune issues reported by patients was, in fact, due to the vaccine.
While several companies are currently working on developing another Lyme disease vaccine, none seem to be researching a vaccine for other tick-borne illnesses. [2]
Vaccination hesitancy
There is, in particular, a low trust for the COVID-19 vaccine among Black Americans, wrote P.R. Lockhart in an NBC News article. “Many of them fear that the vaccines aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19 will be harmful to Black Americans.” [3]
Furthermore, he adds, the medical system has mistreated Black Americans in the past, as well in the present. Lockhart cites the Tuskegee syphilis trial as an example.
“The reality is that their worries have been earned and will not be corrected until medicine and public health and the government reckon with the past and what has been done to Black and brown people,” Lockhart wrote.
Some vaccines, however, have been more readily embraced by the public. According to the authors, “Vaccines for cancer, Type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease were the most accepted by respondents.” [1]
Yet, vaccination hesitancy remains for a variety of other vaccines. “A recent national survey found that if a successful COVID-19 vaccine is produced and widely available, only 49% of Americans intend to get it; for Black adults, only 40% indicated they would take the vaccine while 32% indicated they were unsure,” wrote Quinn and colleagues.
Some of my Lyme disease patients have expressed concern that the COVID-19 vaccine may worsen their symptoms of Lyme disease.
I have seen vaccine hesitancy in my Lyme disease patients. They are concerned that the vaccine will be harmful and feel their concerns have been dismissed.
Risks vs. benefits of COVID-19 vaccine
The risks of developing persistent symptoms and serious complications from the covid-19 vaccine were discussed in a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
“As of January 3, 2021, a total of 20,346,372 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 349,246 associated deaths have been reported in the United States. Long-term sequelae of COVID-19 over the course of a lifetime currently are unknown; however, persistent symptoms and serious complications are being reported among COVID-19 survivors, including persons who initially experience a mild acute illness.” [4]
The risk of COVID-19 to Lyme disease patients is not so clear.
The risks of a COVID-19 vaccination were also described in the same Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
“During December 14–23, 2020, monitoring by the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System detected 21 cases of anaphylaxis after administration of a reported 1,893,360 first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (11.1 cases per million doses); 71% of these occurred within 15 minutes of vaccination.” [4]
The risks of the COVID-19 vaccination to Lyme disease patients is not so clear.
To take or not to take the COVID-19 vaccine
The severity of COVID-19 for some individuals is forcing my Lyme disease patients to make a decision. Are you reluctant to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The following questions are addressed in the podcast:
- Have you had any Lyme disease patients who have been sick with COVID-19?
- What were your Lyme disease patients concerns about COVID-19?
- What were your Lyme disease patients concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine?
- What is vaccine hesitancy?
- Have you seen any other vaccine hesitancy, e.g., Lyme disease vaccine?
- Did any of your Lyme disease patients take the Lyme disease vaccine?
- How effective was the Lyme disease vaccine?
- Why was the Lyme disease vaccine discontinued?
- Have you seen COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among your Lyme disease patients?
- What are your Lyme disease patients considering the COVID-19 concerns?
- Have any of your Lyme disease patients tolerated the COVID-19 vaccine?
- What are the risks of COVID-19?
- What are the risks of other complications of COVID-19 e.g., “long haulers”
- What are the risks of the COVID-19 vaccine?
- What are the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine?
- How is one to decide whether to take the vaccine?
Thanks for listening to another Inside Lyme Podcast. You can read more about these cases in my show notes and on my website @DanielCameronMD.com. As always, it is your likes, comments, reviews, and shares that help spread the word about Lyme disease. Until next time on Inside Lyme.
Please remember that the advice given is general and not intended as specific advice as to any particular patient. If you require specific advice, then please seek that advice from an experienced professional.
Inside Lyme Podcast Series
This Inside Lyme case series will be discussed on my Facebook and made available on podcast and YouTube. As always, it is your likes, comments, and shares that help spread the word about this series and our work. If you can, please leave a review on iTunes or wherever else you get your podcasts.
References:
- Quinn SC, Lama Y, Jamison A, Freimuth V, Shah V. Willingness of Black and White Adults to Accept Vaccines in Development: An Exploratory Study Using National Survey Data. Am J Health Promot. Dec 28 2020:890117120979918. doi:10.1177/0890117120979918
- Researchers race to develop Lyme vaccine. Inside Lyme Blog by Dr. Daniel Cameron https://danielcameronmd.com/researchers-race-to-develop-lyme-disease-vaccine/ Last accessed 1/9/21.
- Experts warn of low Covid vaccine trust among Black Americans by P.R. Lockhart in NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/experts-warn-low-covid-vaccine-trust-among-black-americans-n1250743 Last accessed 12/12/20
- Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, December 14–23, 2020. from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7002e1.htm?s_cid=mm7002e1_w Last accessed 1/9/21.
Brandon
03/11/2022 (12:38 pm)
Hello Dr.,
I contracted Lyme the spring of 2017, Febrile for 3 weeks @ 102.5 +/- (1). During which time I was cognitively and neurologically emaciated. I was told “I was lucky I caught this in time”, given 30 days of Doxy.. finally got well. Do YOU consider that “in time”? I am also in fear of receiving vaccine,(afraid of side effects) as I need it being a healthcare worker. Is there a Lyme disease exception from the virus yet?? Finally, do you ever think there will come a time where hospitals look at an employee during flu season, someone that refused the vaccine, to simply say wear a mask for the season. Why can’t we do that with covid?
Jean K
08/11/2021 (6:17 pm)
My gut instinct all along had been to avoid this so called vaccine for Covid-19. I have chronic Lyme and I’m in my mid 60’s. It’s interesting that two of my more alternative minded docs have actually recommended this unknown jab whereas before they always steered me away from vaccines in general. Hmmm.
Long story short. My family and I got Covid in April. It was unpleasant but fortunately one of the docs believed in Ivermectin, Quercetin, Zinc, and all the other mostly over the counter helps. We all recovered, but some of my chronic Lyme type symptoms seemed worsened(fatigue, Brain Fog) but the chronic Lyme headaches somehow left after being on Ivermectin for two weeks.
I still have no intention of getting the jab no matter it’s formal authorization. I’ve kept myself informed as much as possible and have no doubt I am doing the right thing. Besides, the matter of natural immunity from being Covid recovered has not been adequately addressed. I did have a blood antibody test done and I do have antibodies. The studies coming out are showing long term and robust immunity from having the illness and no great advantage of then having the shot. In fact, some studies showed worse outcomes for those who have natural immunity and then go on to get the jab.
I think we are all just guinea pigs in this great experiment which I believe will also be known as the greatest crime against humanity.
Thank you for allowing me to air my thoughts and I know we all need to make our own personal decisions based on numerous criteria. This is just my story.
Robin
05/07/2021 (12:24 pm)
I was scared to get the COVID VACCINE too, but I am fully vaccinated and SO VERY GLAD I DID. I have always stayed away from vaccines for fear of the consequences having a compromised immune system with Lyme Disease. This April 2021 I decided to face my fears and just go and get the vaccine. I was so tired of being so terrified of getting COVID. I was tired of every time someone stood to close to me or if I got a runny nose, I would run to the COVID TESTING place… praying it was negative. I came to terms with my fear of the vaccine and realized if I didn’t get vaccinated I would not be able to travel, and many other things in life. Besides if I didn’t get vaccinated; “all of my efforts for being in quarantine for over a year, would be for nothing”! Now to what you really wanted to know; How did I do ! The first vaccine was pretty much like everyone else. My arm was pretty sore the next day. I planned on being down so I cleared my schedule for a week. I was ok after 2-3 days. The second vaccine; I also cleared my schedule for a week and I am glad I did. The first night I experienced pretty bad chills. The days to follow I was just really tired. Headache, achey, just all around how I would feel if I got the flu. Yes I was down about 7 days (which I attribute to my Lyme Disease making it harder for me. Viruses and colds to usually take more out of me than other people,,, but I expected it and planned for it. My husband (who doesn’t have Lyme) he had really bad night sweats. “thats how his body processes flu viruses”. After talking to many people everyone having very similar experiences I believe that our experience with the COVID vaccine is most likely how we all process our own experiences with a flu virus. Some of us get chills and body aches, head aches etc.. and some of us get fevers “some sweat it out”…. All in all I am very glad I got fully vaccinated. Oh yes I got the Pfizer 2 shot protocol. 3/24/21 and 4/14/21. I very glad I did get it because when I go out I don’t have to hold my breath “metaphorically” of course. Its a really good feeling to not live in fear. Heres the part that might get you off the fence if your still scared. My first week after recovered from my second shot, I felt better than I have in so long and it lasted for days. I have been dealing with other hormone issues that got me down again. I am hoping once those are balanced I will return to that state of health. I didn’t think it was possible to feel that well again, ” I hope that will be my new normal”.
Diane
07/14/2021 (1:32 pm)
Robin..may I ask your age (or age range? ) How long have you had as well as the severity illness of your chronic Lyme years before?
Evonne Stewart
04/23/2021 (3:55 pm)
Here’s my experience with Covid 19 vaccine Moderna with Chronic lyme
:
1st Moderna shot put me in a Jaxheimer with internal & external biofilm & spirochetes die off. With high BP from pain.
Just toke 2nd Moderna shot Jaxheimer worst, internal die off major die off. Starting to see external die off also. Double edge sword.
Maybe we have a cure or remission for some people. Trying to b patient. Trying to keep positive & going. Bedridden for 18 days 1st shot. 2nd shot ??? Documenting.
Battling Chronic lyme since 1998 then went full blown Oct 23, 2008. Been on maintenance program since August 2017.
Treatments , Hyperbaric Oxygen Ozone /10 pass when bad, then back to maintenance at home, diet oxygen ozone, Rife frequencies, hypnosis & mind over body. Plus water cleans by Professional. Do natural Native American Medicine/Shamans from plants, roots & pure plant tinacture with NO additives.
No Medical medicines or antibiotics & no supplement off shelf. Allergic to additives. Everything has to be pure
Dorcas Sandness
02/14/2021 (6:10 am)
I appreciate that everyone is afraid of COVID. The uncertainty of whether or not “you will be the one” is fear generating. Nonetheless, in agreement w/the article above, there are many things that can be done to ameliorate the risk of getting the “bad Covid” as we describe it, and those things, for most people truly work, including vitamins, selenium, melatonin, N-acetylcysteine, hydroxy chloroquine, quercetin, and ivermectin, and from my experience, funnily enough, doxycycline (it seems to be a very effective treatment for Covid lung). Most people seem to be recovering relatively well when using those things, and one would presume, that it would also help with long term sequelae. The biggest threat from Covid, which can strike anyone, even someone with no symptoms, is clotting. We have seen numerous people with DVTs, PEs, Strokes, pancreatitis, liver injury, cardiac injury, kidney injury and even bowel injury from clotting. The best thing you can do to prevent that complication is to take aspirin if you can. I am sure the inflammation from lyme disease adds to that. And, working in an ER, I have known a number of people who have died from Covid, or from complications of Covid. It is a real disease. On the flip side, both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are made using an experimental technique that has never been used before successfully. This is called an mRNA technique because a mRNA virus (both Adenoviruses and Coronaviruses are used as vectors) is used to carry a piece of DNA or RNA spliced on to these vectors like a package (we don’t know exactly what it is) that supposedly codes the spike protein found on Coronaviruses, into your cells for your cells to replica it. There was a similar vaccine trialed on ferrets for Sars Cov 1 which appeared successful for the 2 shots, but then problems occurred with exposure to disease some months later where many of the ferrets died. One would hope that they have fixed that problem, but again nothing is known until it is tried. There are other vaccines that do not use the mRNA technology. I believe astrazeneca may be a traditional vaccine. They may also come out with a nasal or an oral vaccine soon that may not have some of the preservatives and other chemicals that can cause problems. It does appear that there is a correlation between having the vaccine (Pfizzer and Moderna) and an increase in nursing home/elderly people deaths shortly after taking the vaccine. They are stating that there is no proof that this is causative. In addition, given that they are insisting that even with the vaccine, you may get Covid, and should still wear a mask, there is obviously still question as to the effectiveness of the mRNA vaccine, and whether it will work for all strains. There is also pretty clear evidence that if you had the Covid, the vaccine will do nothing more for you, so certainly, if you have had a positive test, your decision may be easier. It is a difficult decision that we will all have to make. Some may decide yes, some wait, and some no, but I think we can all agree that all the other medicines can help prevent the bad covid and should be availed of. Some things like N-acetylcysteine may also help the inflammation found in patients with lyme disease.