Beyond bites: Evaluating attitudes and beliefs related to ticks, Lyme disease, and a Lyme disease vaccine

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, and it is estimated to affect up to 476,000 people annually. Despite decades of work on the topic, options for Lyme disease prevention are limited, and additional methods for protecting people from Lyme disease are needed. One measure of protection that has the potential to fill these gaps is a Lyme disease vaccine; however, this vaccine has a complicated history. A human vaccine for Lyme disease was available in the early 2000s, but several factors, including negative publicity, claims that the vaccine caused adverse effects, and low sales, led to the removal of the vaccine. A new Lyme disease vaccine is currently in phase 3 human trials, but more research is needed to understand how it will be received.

The aim of this study was to investigate current attitudes and opinions towards ticks, Lyme disease, and a potential Lyme disease vaccine in a Lyme endemic area (Pennsylvania). Through focus groups and a survey, we aim to investigate (1) people's experiences and opinions related to ticks and Lyme disease, (2) people's perceptions of vaccinations and a Lyme disease vaccine, and (3) how people prefer to receive communications about a Lyme disease vaccine. The results of this study will provide insight into current attitudes and opinions towards ticks, Lyme disease, and a Lyme disease vaccine, and these results can be used to guide communication efforts and educational materials.