"The vaccine offers Westchester residents another defense against Lyme disease and will be available in January," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Westchester County Health Commissioner. "Residents considering the vaccine should consult with their physicians."

For maximum protection, three injections of the vaccine must be taken over a one year period. The injections are given at 0,1 and 12 months. After three shots the vaccine was shown to be 78% effective, after two shots 50% effective.

"Although this is a significant breakthrough, residents should not stop taking the standard precautions against tickborne diseases, such as wearing protective clothing and doing tick checks," Dr. Adel added. "The vaccine is not 100% effective and offers no protection against other tickborne diseases such as ehrlichiosis."

LYMErix contains a genetically engineered protein from an outer surface protein of Borrelia burgdorferi, the spiral shaped bacterium that is responsible for Lyme disease. The surface protein, called OspA, stimulates antibodies that appear to disable the bacterium's ability to infect the individual.

Lyme disease is passed on to people through the bite of an infected deer tick. The most common symptom is an expanding red rash, often at the site of the tick bite. The rash usually appears three to 30 days after the bite and may last for weeks. Other symptoms may include fever, sore throat, fatigue, sleeping difficulties, stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and dizziness.