Lyme Disease Vaccine for Humans: Would You Trust It Today?
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
A Lyme disease vaccine for humans once existed in the United States—but it disappeared from the market only a few years after approval.
Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks carrying the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Learn more about what Lyme disease is and how it spreads.
The vaccine, known as LYMErix, was approved in 1998 to prevent infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. The vaccine worked by stimulating antibodies against outer surface proteins of the bacterium, preventing infection after a tick bite.
According to the LYMErix package insert, the vaccine was effective at preventing many early Lyme disease infections, including the characteristic erythema migrans rash. However, the data suggested lower protection against other manifestations of Lyme disease.
Why Was the LYMErix Lyme Disease Vaccine Withdrawn?
LYMErix was voluntarily withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2002 after several factors led to declining demand.
In a survey of 1,015 adults in the United States, researcher Matt Motta examined how likely individuals would be to request a Lyme disease vaccine if one became available.¹
The survey found that individuals living in the northeastern United States—where Lyme disease is most prevalent—were more likely to say they would consider vaccination. In contrast, individuals who reported lower trust in scientific authorities such as the CDC were less likely to intend to vaccinate.
Motta described several factors that contributed to declining demand for LYMErix:
- The vaccine required multiple doses to achieve protection.
- Cost was a barrier for some patients.
- Public concern developed about possible autoimmune side effects.
- Misinformation regarding vaccine safety circulated widely.
Although scientific studies did not establish a clear causal relationship between the vaccine and autoimmune disease, the controversy contributed to declining demand.
Questions About Long-Term Lyme Disease Protection
Another issue raised during the LYMErix era was whether vaccination would prevent the more complex manifestations of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease can affect multiple organ systems, including the nervous system, heart, joints, and autonomic nervous system. Some patients develop persistent symptoms even after treatment.
If a vaccine primarily prevented early infection but did not fully prevent dissemination of the bacteria, clinicians questioned whether vaccination would prevent later or chronic manifestations of Lyme disease.
Are New Lyme Disease Vaccines Being Developed?
Interest in Lyme disease vaccines has increased as cases continue to rise in the United States and Europe.
Several vaccine candidates are currently under development, including vaccines targeting outer surface proteins of Borrelia burgdorferi. These vaccines aim to block infection before the bacteria can spread throughout the body.
Researchers are also exploring monoclonal antibody strategies that may provide temporary protection against Lyme disease.
For more information on vaccine development, see researchers racing to develop a Lyme disease vaccine.
Clinical Perspective
One concern raised during the LYMErix era was whether vaccination could prevent the chronic manifestations of Lyme disease.
Questions were also raised about potential autoimmune reactions following vaccination. Although studies did not confirm a causal relationship, the issue remained controversial.
These concerns may influence how clinicians and patients evaluate future Lyme disease vaccines currently under development.
Related Articles:
Researchers race to develop a Lyme disease vaccine
Questions linger on the efficacy of the Lyme disease vaccine
Could monoclonal antibodies prevent Lyme disease better than a vaccine?
References:
- Motta M. Could concern about climate change increase demand for a Lyme disease vaccine in the U.S.? Vaccine. 2020.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
I would love to see a vaccine for those who are already suffering immensely from this horrible disease. People are not going to take a vaccine to prevent something that most people don’t understand. The only people who understand this disease are those who have been suffering for many years. I’m 62 and have had it for 32 years. I had 6 attachments. All filled on my pillow. I remember it well. But dismissed it because Lyme disease was not even being talked about. This is a neurological mess. My life is pretty much over.
Some people were required to get the previous vaccine because they had outdoor occupations. They had no choice.
Also, there was documented, published damage from that vaccine. In fact, current makers of lyme vaccines have said they removed those elements that caused an autoimmune condition. That is the opposite of the claims that anti-vaxxers and false claims were to blame.
I was vaccine participant in 1995 LD from SmithKline Beecham. I almost died, the study docs denied my symptoms after 3 shots, lab changed ownership & became GlaGlaxoSmithKline etc… Its all for $ not facts! I still suffer daily, lost my marriage, my home & continue to suffer! DON’T GET LD VACCINE!
Yes, it’s terrible what people who have Lyme disease go through with no proper testing.
Why would I want a vaccine if I already have it?
CDC has to get on board all the way.
No ! I do not trust lyme vaccine. I got the lymerix and now I have chronic lyme. How can you make a vaccine when there are so many strains ? This would not protect against coinfections either giving people a false sense of protection. It would also allow doctors to dismiss sick people.
Could you share your story in the Lyme disease and COVID-19 survey if you have not already done so. The link is https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-covid-survey/