Vaccinations
There has been a lot of criticism about vaccinations over the last few
years. A lot of confusion about the types of vaccinations and
frequency of administration. There is no denying that along with better nutrition, vaccines have led to less deaths and suffering of our pets as well as increasing life expectancies. Over the years this clinic has been in existence, we have seen a reduction in pet loss, and we believe this is due in part to the compliance of our pet owners to the vaccination protocols we recommend. Feline Leukemia, in cats and Parvo disease in dogs both, usually fatal diseases are rarely seen any more at our clinic. Some say… “Why vaccinate if we don’t see these diseases anymore?” This is precisely the reason we don’t see them and why we must keep our vaccinations regular. It is during these times that vaccinations become lax and these diseases emerge again sometimes causing outbreaks or epidemics. There are concerns that yearly or regular vaccinations overstimulate or depress the immune system causing anemia, skin problems, digestive problems, etc. Despite attempts by scientists and laymen alike these claims have never been proven. Concerns have lead to alternate or multiple year vaccines. Although alternate year vaccination protocols have been approved by many organizations, many vaccines used are not licensed for multiple year use. Although all vaccines claim to produce antibody titers there is little known whether those titer levels are substantial enough to protect from the disease vaccinated since few vaccines have gone through challenge testing to conclude their efficacy.
The other consideration is those vaccines licensed and proven effective for three or multiple year use have three times the stimulant effect to keep them effective for the given time period than a yearly vaccine, potentiating the overstimulation effect on the immune system many worry about as well as risking vaccine reactions.
It is for these reasons we feel that vaccination type and protocols should be tailored for the area, the incidence of the disease, and the activity of the pet. At the present time we recommend yearly vaccines which offer the most effective immunity with the least number of reactions. We regularly review our vaccination protocols and will continue to tailor them to offer what we believe to be the safest and best protection while meeting the needs of our patients.