The Goal of Vaccinations
Including Puppy and Kitten Vaccination Schedules
The ultimate goal of vaccination is to stimulate an animal's immune system so that upon exposure to a pathogen (virus, bacteria, etc.) the body can respond naturally and fight off disease. Vaccines do not 'guarantee' immunity because many variables are involved such as physical health status, virulence of pathogen, environmental conditions, etc. However, vaccines have significantly decreased the prevalence of many potentially fatal diseases including human and animal rabies, canine parvovirus, distemper, and feline rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and leukemia.
Do vaccines work? YES
Do we recommend vaccinating your pet? YES
So what's the big deal?
Unfortunately there is a lack of information available regarding the duration of immunity of most animal vaccines excluding rabies. The manufactures' recommend yearly boosters only because studies have not been performed beyond this time frame; however, independent studies have revealed that immunity duration may extend 3 to 5 years. Few medical procedures are totally without risk. Sometimes procedures that normally benefit can cause harm or unwanted side effects. The fact remains there are risks involved with all vaccines, human or animal. Even though these risks are extremely minimal and rare, occurring in less that 0.1 % of the vaccinated population, they do exist. There have been reports of anaphylaxis, feline tumor development at the site of vaccination, canine autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and other lesser side effects.
Are Vaccines Really Necessary?
Absolutely YES
We feel strongly that your pet's health and our ability to detect changes on an annual basis are more important reasons for an annual history and physical exam than just receiving a dose of vaccine. The vaccine should not be the focal point of your pet's health. The most important component of your pet's yearly visit is the physical exam. Your pet is susceptible to different diseases during different stages of his /her life. The two most commonly seen preventable problems are dental disease and obesity. Other important diseases include heartworm disease, hypothyroidism, cardiac and kidney disease, allergic dermatitis, and ear infections just to name a few. Our goal in vaccinating is to prevent disease and do no harm. In order to facilitate this goal we are now using the following guidelines for vaccinating your pet.
Dogs
Puppies require:
A series of3 DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) vaccines 4 weeks apart and a 1 year rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age
DA2PP and a 3 year rabies vaccine 1 year later
DA2PP every 3 years
Rabies vaccine every 3 years
Bordatella (Kennel Cough) vaccine every 6 months if groomed or kenneled
Cats
Kittens require:
A series of 3 FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) vaccines 4 weeks apart and a 1 year rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age
A series of 2 FEL V vaccines separated by 2 to 3 weeks if the cat is at high risk
FVRCP, +/-FEL V, and a 3 year rabies vaccine 1 year later
FVRCP every 3 years
FEL V annually in high risk cats
Rabies vaccine every 3 years
FlP once yearly, only necessary in catteries
Information supplied by Mulnix Animal Clinic
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Member Since 1983
