WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	Lyme Disease Vaccine Becomes Available, With Some Problems (East Lyme-WTNH)_ As soon as Tom Holmes heard a lyme disease vaccine was available, he knew he could use a shot in the arm. Make that three shots over 13 months. Dr. Tom Holmes, vaccine patient: "I'm actually a physician so I see alot of people with lyme disease and complications, so I know it's something I don't want to get." More than 100,000 cases of the tick borne illness have been reported across the country. The bacteria can cause numerous severe health problems and even death. Connecticut is the birthplace of lyme disease and the state has the second highest number of cases in the nation. In certain pockets of the state like here in East Lyme, 2% to 4% of the population will get the disease in any given year. The newly FDA approved Lymerix vaccine is close to 80% effective, but some insurers, such as Physicians Health Services and United Health Care, won't pay for it. Dr. Vijay Sikand, lyme researcher: "There's a great deal of interest but unfortunately that interest is being crimped somewhat by managed care and the insurance companies. People are concerned that their companies are not automatically paying for the vaccine." Meanwhile, even the proclamation of March as Lyme Disease Awareness Month has proven controversial. The National Lyme Disease Foundation says it's more about marketing than medicine, and the month should be in May when ticks become active. Tom Forschner, Executive Director NLDF: "This is about manipulation of the governor unfortunately. He's been dragged into this thing and it has nothing to do with health. It's about marketing. This is a commercial endeavor." The governor's office says they're just trying to raise awareness. For Tom Holmes, the month doesn't matter and neither does insurance coverage. Dr Holmes: "For me it's worth it, even if I have to pay for it out of pocket." The series of three shots can cost up to about $450, so you should contact your doctor and your insurance provider to see if you're covered. While some insurers won't pay for the vaccine, others won't pay for treatment, which can cost up to $60,000 a year. The Lyme Disease Foundation is supporting legislation making coverage for both prevention and treatment mandatory. Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Lyme Disease Vaccine Becomes Available, With Some Problems
(East Lyme-WTNH)_ As soon as Tom Holmes heard a lyme disease vaccine was available, he knew he could use a shot in the arm. Make that three shots over 13 months.

Dr. Tom Holmes, vaccine patient: "I'm actually a physician so I see alot of people with lyme disease and complications, so I know it's something I don't want to get."

More than 100,000 cases of the tick borne illness have been reported across the country. The bacteria can cause numerous severe health problems and even death.

Connecticut is the birthplace of lyme disease and the state has the second highest number of cases in the nation. In certain pockets of the state like here in East Lyme, 2% to 4% of the population will get the disease in any given year.

The newly FDA approved Lymerix vaccine is close to 80% effective, but some insurers, such as Physicians Health Services and United Health Care, won't pay for it.

Dr. Vijay Sikand, lyme researcher: "There's a great deal of interest but unfortunately that interest is being crimped somewhat by managed care and the insurance companies. People are concerned that their companies are not automatically paying for the vaccine."

Meanwhile, even the proclamation of March as Lyme Disease Awareness Month has proven controversial. The National Lyme Disease Foundation says it's more about marketing than medicine, and the month should be in May when ticks become active.

Tom Forschner, Executive Director NLDF: "This is about manipulation of the governor unfortunately. He's been dragged into this thing and it has nothing to do with health. It's about marketing. This is a commercial endeavor."

The governor's office says they're just trying to raise awareness. For Tom Holmes, the month doesn't matter and neither does insurance coverage.

Dr Holmes: "For me it's worth it, even if I have to pay for it out of pocket."

The series of three shots can cost up to about $450, so you should contact your doctor and your insurance provider to see if you're covered. While some insurers won't pay for the vaccine, others won't pay for treatment, which can cost up to $60,000 a year. The Lyme Disease Foundation is supporting legislation making coverage for both prevention and treatment mandatory.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.