Kensington 
Veterinary Hospital

The Vaccination Question

Vaccinations are injections that are given to your pet to protect them against specific diseases. These diseases may be caused by bacteria or viruses. They may make your pet only slightly sick or could even cause death, depending on many factors (for example, the general health of your dog or cat.). Historically speaking, in veterinary medicine it has typically been recommended that most vaccines be given yearly, with the exception of the rabies vaccine, which is generally recognized as protective for three years in adult animals who have been properly vaccinated. In some situations, even more frequent vaccinations may have been recommended.

Until recently, there was not much information available regarding how long a vaccination's protection lasts. Annual vaccinations have been the standard, and this is still very common. However, after very careful consideration, we have re-evaluated our vaccination philosophy and significantly changed our recommended vaccination schedules. Here are the reasons for these changes.

Recent studies indicate that in dogs and cats, protection in most healthy animals who have been properly vaccinated may last several years for some of the vaccines, while other vaccines may only produce immunity for a year. There has recently been a link suggested between the administration of vaccines in cats and the development of a particular type of tumor (called a fibrosarcoma). However the specifics of this connection are not yet understood. We are also seeing many more diseases of the immune system in animals, and while no definite connection has yet been proven with vaccines, it is still an area of concern.

How should you decide if you want to vaccinate your pet?

It is possible to do a blood test called a titer to evaluate your animal's level of protective immunity. There are several qualified laboratories in the country who perform these tests, and the protective immunity levels are well-defined for most, but not all, of the diseases against which animals are commonly vaccinated. This is a fairly simple and painless procedure, which involves withdrawing a small amount of blood from your animal and then having the laboratory evaluate it. Based on the results of the test, a decision can be made as to whether your animal needs to have a vaccination or not. Following are our current recommendations for titers/vaccinations. We will of course continue to evaluate these recommendations as new information becomes available.

Vaccinations and health care can be confusing issues. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us - we are here to help you provide your companion with the best possible quality of care! We appreciate the trust and confidence you show in us by selecting us as your pets' health care provider.

Reasons to Vaccinate your pet

• If pet has high risk of exposure to infection diseases

• Unknown previous history of exposure or protection

• May be less expensive
  

Reasons to NOT Vaccinate your pet

• If pet has low risk of exposure to infectious diseases

• If pet is currently well-protected (can be determined by blood titer)

• Avoids increased risk of certain cancers from vaccines (especially fibrosarcomas in cats)

• Concurrent health problems (vaccines should only be given to healthy animals)

• Avoids possible increased risk of immune system problems

Our Current Recommendations:

Dogs

Distemper-Parvo(DHPP/DHPP)

8 weeks old-

Begin "puppy vaccines"; booster every 3-4 weeks for a total of 3-4 vaccines, depending on breed, exposure, and veterinarian's evaluation of risk factors.

One year old-

Repeat vaccination(s)

Two years old-

Perform titer; repeat vaccination if protective level is low, otherwise repeat titer every 1-2 years and repeat vaccination when need is indicated by decreasing immunity.

Bordetella

Intra-nasal vaccine annually for at risk dogs.

Rabies

4 months of age, I year later, then every 3 years (unless possible exposure or injury necessitates sooner)

Cats

Upper Respiratory (FVRCPC)

8 weeks-

Begin kitten vaccines, repeat every 3-4 weeks x 3 vaccines total.

1 year-

Repeat vaccinations)

2 years-

Perform titer; revaccinate if protective level is low, otherwise repeat titer every 1-2 years and repeat vaccination when need is indicated by decreasing protection.

Feline Leukemia (FELV)

For cats at risk only.

After negative blood test, 2 initial vaccines (can begin at 9 weeks or age or older) given 3-4 weeks apart. Repeat annually.

Rabies

For cats at risk only.

First vaccine at 3 months old, booster in I year, thereafter every 3 years.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

For cats at risk only..

We do not recommend this vaccine for most of our feline patients at this time. Two intra-nasal vaccinations given 3-4 weeks apart. Must not begin until 16 weeks of age or older