My vet has sent a reminder card to let me know that Kiera is due for a couple of vaccines. I’ll bring her in for titers to be taken. I stopped automatically vaccinating some years ago, after I’d extensively read up on the subject.
Here’s the gist of what I’ve learned:
The minimum duration of immunity for the four core vaccines (parvo, distemper, canine Adenovirus and rabies) was 3-7 years. (A USDA study I reviewed similarly showed an average 7-year efficacy for rabies vaccine. Because of the serious and zoonotic nature of this virus, the US has taken a rather bold position of prevention by requiring frequent boosters, 1-3 years in most states. Schultz, a leading vet on vaccine studies, says 3-5 years is sufficient)
Dogs vaccinated (i.e. puppy series of initial vaccine) showed 80% protection when challenged at age 7 with no interim boosters, the same as for dogs given annual boosters. Schultz’s study found 95% of dogs vaccinated initially were protected for life for one or more of the four diseases. Schultz considers current veterinary protocol overkill and annual vaccination unnecessary. (Several vet schools have begun teaching a different view of vaccination, and are moving more towards an every 3-year boostering schedule.)
Schultz’s paper gives a lot more specifics and provides some sound biology for the recommendation for initial vaccination with boosters at age 2, with no further vaccination except rabies at 3-5 year intervals. The non-core vaccines are recommended if dogs are in high exposure conditions/situations.
Individual protocols are recommended for known breed-specific sensitivities, such as using only single vaccines spread over several months for various Hounds, Setters, Danes, Weims etc. (I have a friend with two Coonhounds who came down with autoimmune diseases, triggered within 10 days of vaccination using combination puppy vaccines – Addison’s and HOD -onset at 13 weeks of age.)
This study is consistent with studies I have seen from CDC, USDA-APHIS and drug companies themselves with a few of the core vaccines.
Here are some articles and links to help you make a more informed decision.
Puppy Shot Info by Dr. Schultz
Shots Fired by Denise Flaim, is a very balanced and informed article talking about the changes happening in the veterinary world regarding vaccine protocols.
Wendy Volhard has done quite a bit of research. Here is her article on Vaccination.
2006 AAHA Vaccine Guidelines Lists current recommendations.
Sharon, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Yes, this is a message that needs to get out.
I’m thankful you have your blog. I am a pet owner who learned too late how dangerous over vaccination can be. I lost my beloved dog Flash on November 8th of last year.
I’m also trying to get information out on what can happen.
Thanks again
Yes, the same is true for the Lyme vaccine. Annual boosters are recommended.
And thanks for the info on the late rabies. I didn’t know that! Yikes.
Great post. People should also know, however, that certain strains of diseases – like Lepto, for instance – often mutate, necessitating updates of shots for that particular disease or virus. Also in the States you need to get your dog vaccinated for rabies by law. What I don’t care for is if you miss your dog’s appointment for his updated rabies shot, even by a day or two, your dog in a lot of cases will only get a one year rabies booster instead of the three year vaccine. Things are changing, thankfully. And thanks to people like you who are getting the word out.
Thanks for the good research and the links. I’ve also stopped automatic yearly vaccinations.
Any time you have to deal with taking a pet over any kind of border, you lose a lot of control. It’s a drag.
Thank you SO MUCH!! Morena’s up for her YEARLY shots in May, and I agree that it’s overkill. However, I take her across the border frequently and they require proof of yearly vaccination! Isn’t that awful???