Continuum^® Lyme is a purified extract of Borrelia burgdorferi comprised of outer surface protein A (OspA) and is adjuvanted to elicit a maximal immune response. This subunit OspA antigen induces protection against disease caused by B. burgdorferi infection.

Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis or “Lyme disease.” Initially recognized as a cause of arthritis in humans, B. burgdorferi has also been demonstrated to induce clinical disease in dogs. The most common clinical signs of canine borreliosis are fever, lameness, and joint pain. Transmission occurs primarily through hard-shelled ticks, such as those in the genus Ixodes. Vaccination with an OspA vaccine is effective in preventing B. burgdorferi infection, in addition to preventing clinical signs₁. It appears that OspA vaccinates induce an immune response that takes effect within the tick vector, thereby preventing B. burgdorferi from even entering the host₁. Also, use of OspA vaccines has been preferred because of the potential risk of immune-mediated reactions arising from the use of whole-cell bacterins1-3. 

References:
1. Wormser GP. Prospects for a vaccine to prevent Lyme Disease in humans. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 1995;21:1267-1274.

2. Lim LCL, et al. Development of destructive arthritis in vaccinated hamsters challenged with Borrelia burgdorferi. Infection and Immunity. 1994;62(7):2825-2833.

3. Keller D, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant outer surface protein A Lyme vaccine. Journal of the American Medical Association. 1994;271(22):1764-1768. 

Administration and Dosage
Aseptically administer 1 mL by the subcutaneous route. Vaccinate healthy dogs 4 weeks of age or older with two doses 3-4 weeks apart. Annual revaccination with a single dose is recommended.

Caution

1. Recommended storage temperature 35-45ºF (2-7ºC). Do not freeze.
2. Shake well before use.
3. Non-chemically sterilized needles and syringes should be used for administration of vaccine.
4. Administration of epinephrine may be indicated in the event of anaphylactic reaction.
5. Only healthy animals should be vaccinated. Animals incubating any disease, or animals stressed due to shipping, malnutrition, or parasitism may not achieve or maintain an adequate immune response.
6. This produce is not hazardous when used according to directions supplied. A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is available upon request. This and any other consumer information can be obtained by calling Intervet’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-441-8272.      

Supplied
Code: 006810
25 1-dose/1-mL vials.

Packaged in recyclable plastic containers. 
Product Label(s) and MSDS: http://www.compasnac.com/intervet.htm

For more information about Intervet Products call 1-800-441-8272.