Provided is an immunogenic composition including a peptide, wherein consecutive amino acids of the peptide include at least amino acids 186-193 of SEQ ID NO:1 and one or more adjuvants. In an example, the peptide is covalently linked to an amino acid sequence including SEQ ID NO:2. Also provided is a method of vaccinating a subject against Borrelia burgdorferi, including administering to the subject an effective amount of the immunogenic composition
