Q: Does my pet need annual vaccinations?

A: Annual vaccines have been the cornerstone of Veterinary preventative care. New information and the use of vaccine titer testing have furthered our knowledge of individual vaccine duration. Many vaccines give a long lasting immunity to disease, where other diseases can only be prevented for a short time.

Many factors are figured into which vaccines are given at what time and age. Your veterinarian can tailor a vaccine schedule that is best for your situation. Age of pet, exposure to disease or multiple animals, boarding, travel, sale, grooming and county requirements are all considered when making a vaccine protocol.

Q: What is the minimum or core vaccine schedule that is currently recommended?

A: Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated every three to four weeks, starting at six to nine weeks of age, depending on vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations. Vaccines are continued until sixteen weeks of age.

Vaccines should be boostered about one year later, and then every three years for the core vaccines. It is best to separate vaccines where possible and not try for all “7 in 1” shot at one time.

Some vaccines, like kennel cough are given if needed for exposure, such as boarding. Rabies may be required more often than the manufacturer recommends to meet county licensing requirements. Certain areas have indigenous disease, such as Lymes or Leptospirosis, that may need to be vaccinated against.

Core vaccines for a cat include; Feline panleukopenia, herpes virus, calicivirus, and rabies. Feline Leukemia may be needed depending on lifestyle. Core vaccines for a dog include; Canine parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, and rabies.

Q: Why should I change from yearly vaccines to every three years?

A: A three year vaccine rotation is reasonable and conservative. We once thought annual vaccination was necessary. As our information continues to grow, we may recommend five, eight, or ten year rotation for core vaccines, much the way human tetanus is boostered.

At least 20 of the Veterinary schools in the United States use a three year core vaccine rotation. The reason to change is that the benefits from frequent vaccinations do not outweigh the risks associated with vaccines

Q: Are vaccines harmful?

A: Vaccines used correctly have saved many pets from life threatening illness.

Just as with humans, each individual has a different tolerance to vaccines. We should strive to vaccinate appropriately but to reduce the number and frequency of unnecessary vaccines. Vaccines should be given only if absolutely necessary if a patient is older, sick or suffering from any chronic disease, such as seizures, allergies, or internal disease.

Q: How do I know that my pet is protected from a disease?

A: A simple blood test, a “titer”, can be taken to see the level of immune response to a vaccine. A titer will tell us if a vaccination has taken hold in the immune system.

Q: What does my pet need yearly?

A: An annual exam is the most important part of your yearly veterinary visit. Preventative care includes finding out the early stages of disease or infection so that if possible the course of disease may be stopped or altered. Routine blood work to check on liver, kidney, or thyroid changes as well as tests for parasites may be performed. Blood titers may be checked to verify if a vaccine will be needed. The physical exam and your open discussion with your veterinarian about your pets health, diet and lifestyle will allow a more tailored health care program for your pet.

For more information you can visit the American Animal Hospital Association website at www.healthypet.com, or the American Association of Feline Practitioners at www.avma.org/vafs4f.com to request the feline vaccination guidelines./

Elizabeth Brown DVM Braden River Animal Hospital