Guide Note Pet vaccinations have been controversial for much of the last decade. Several studies have been completed confirming that over vaccinating can be harmful to dogs and cats. Some pets have developed allergies, tumors and cancers due to over vaccinating.

Duration of Immunity

Through several studies it has been determined that the duration of immunity for Rabies vaccine, Canine Distemper vaccine, Canine Parvovirus vaccine, Feline Panleukopenia vaccine, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Calicivirus, are all a minimum of 7 years. Texas A&M; reported after testing that the vaccines would last 7 years and possibly the life of the animal.

Changing Protocols

It has been common practice (and in some cases legally enforced) to administer vaccinations annually. This has been the protocol since the development of canine vaccines in the late 1950s. Due to recent studies, the vaccine protocols have been revised, with the primary vaccines such as rabies being administered every three years. The AAHA advises that each pet be evaluated for its individual vaccination needs by a veterinarian, as some animals may need more or less vaccinations based on their risk factors.

Fast Facts:

1. Vaccinosis: The malaise (fever, muscular aches, bone pain, prostration, etc.) that can result from being vaccinated
2. Vaccinations are important for the prevention of diseases
3. Side effects and adverse events can be minimized by avoiding unnecessary vaccinations
4. AHHA has released new protocols for pet vaccinations
5. Over vaccination increases the risk of vaccine associated sarcoma in cats
6. The FVRCP Vaccine has been implicated as possibly causing Feline Chronic Renal Failure

Quotes:

1. "With vaccines that are repeated year after year, the frequency and severity of these side-effects in our pets has increased dramatically." —Dr. Donna Starita Mehan, DVM
2. "Annual revaccination provides no benefit and may increase the risk for adverse reactions. " —Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, Ph.D
3. "The first thing that must change with routine vaccinations is the myth that vaccines are not harmful." —Dr. Charles E. Loops, DVM
4. "We see a lot of epilepsy/seizure, often after a rabies vaccination." —Dr. Dee Blanco, D.V.M
5. "In a general and frightening context, I see the overall health and longevity of animals deteriorating." —Dr. Pat Bradley, DVM