One of the most confusing parts of being a pet owner is how to best prevent disease in your animal. Traditionally, a dog or cat was required to get annual vaccinations to be considered well protected. Traditional wisdom sometimes does not prove to be correct over time, and a good vaccination protocol is no different.

In human medicine, it has now become commonplace to question whether the amount of vaccinations administered may be excessive and, in some cases, potentially harmful. There have been reports of immune system disorders and even autism which has been linked to vaccinations. It is not known what causes these problems, but the current theory involves a certain activation of the immune system that goes into "overdrive."

After if was determined that feline vaccinations could result in a sarcoma (a type of cancer) in 0.01% of patients, the American Association of Feline Practitioners began investigations into the true Duration Of Immunity (DOI) for vaccines. It was determined that many of the vaccines were either given more often than needed or were simply ineffective. This year the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has followed suit by making vaccine recommendations for canine patients. Creature Comforts, as an AAHA member, will be following these vaccination guidelines. This will significantly change the frequency with which patients will be vaccinated.

Vaccinations work by giving the immune system a very small dose of an antigen associated with a disease. Then, via the anamnestic or memory response, the body can repel an invasion of that disease in the future. Vaccines for animals were tested by manufacturers for only one year--the length of time required by the FDA. Therefore, the duration of immunity for these vaccines was assumed to be only 12 months. In fact, many of the common vaccinations are effective for three years of more.

Juvenile vaccinations have been more thoroughly tested. Puppies and kittens are given their first level of immunity from their mothers, so vaccines are not effective until the mother's immunity fades. However, it is unknown when this happens, and can vary in each individual animal. It can happen any time between six and sixteen weeks. In order to protect the pediatric patient, an immunization must be administered every 3-4 weeks during these first few months. After the initial series, a booster needs to be given at one year of age. After that, a booster is only needed every 3 years for the common illnesses.

Certain vaccinations, like those for Lyme disease or Feline Leukemia, only have Duration Of Immunity of 1 year, and need a yearly booster. Others, like those for bordatella (kennel cough) or leptospirosis only have a 6 month DOI. All of this information has been used to determine the new protocol.

It is still recommended that patients be examined yearly, but the administration of vaccinations is reconsidered.

The following are canine vaccines which are recommended to be given to puppies, then at one year and repeated every three years:

• Canine Distemper
• Canine Parvovirus (still devastating and common)
• Canine Parainfluenza
• Canine Adenovirus 2 (hepatitis)
• Rabies (required by law)

  The following are recommended only dogs for at risk:

• Leptospirosis (all 5 serovars)--booster every 6 months
• Lyme disease--booster every year
• Bordetella (kennel cough) DOI--6 months and be administered at least one week prior to boarding.

  The following are not recommended:

• Canine Coronavirus (not a threat)
• Giardia vaccine (questionable effectiveness)

The following are feline vaccines which are recommended to be given to kittens, then at 1 year and repeated every 3 years.

• Feline Panleukopenia
• Calicivirus
• Feline Herpesvirus
• Rabies

  The following are recommended as a yearly booster only for cats at risk:

• Feline Leukemia

  The following should be used only under very special circumstances:

• Feline Infectious Peritonitis
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
• Feline Chlamydiosis
• Feline Bordetella

  The following cat vaccines are not recommended:

• Feline Giardia
• Feline Microsporum

Vaccination recommendations need to be determined on an individual basis with a risk to benefit assessment by your veterinarian. Animals that have had a cancer diagnosis or autoimmune disease should not be vaccinated. Blood tests can determine if adequate immunity is present.

It is felt that by following these guidelines that patients can be kept healthy and happy for a longer life!