Thousands of Americans are being recruited to take part in trials for a potential Lyme disease vaccine.

Rockland-based Pfizer will be launching phase 3 trials of a possible vaccine to prevent the disease, which affects nearly half a million Americans each year.

The vaccine targets the bacteria that causes the disease, which is spread through tick bites.

Experts say that for now, the best ways to prevent the disease are still long sleeves and bug spray when hiking or outdoors.

Experts say to seek medical attention if you discover a tick has been on your body and you're unsure how long it's been there.