SVG VACCINATION PROTOCOL

           Based upon new information from recent studies in immunology, we have decided to change our vaccination protocol for dogs and cats.  Many leading researchers and specialists now believe that several of the vaccines that we routinely give to dogs and cats have a greater duration of immunity than had previously been thought.  The duration of immunity is the length of time that a vaccine provides protection.  In addition to this, some research is suggesting that over-vaccination of pets has led to some problems such as auto-immune hemolytic anemia in dogs and vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats.  Although the vaccine manufacturers have not changed their labeling of these vaccines and still recommend vaccinating according to older protocols, many of the foremost veterinary colleges, as well as the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, The American Association of Feline Practitioners, and other leaders in veterinary medicine research now recommend new vaccine protocols.  We are following these new guidelines.  

VACCINES FOR DOGS

 1.  The Distemper virus combination and the Parvovirus vaccine have been shown to have a duration of immunity of several years.  As a puppy, your dog will receive three sets of vaccinations for these viruses.  These combination vaccines will protect against:  Canine Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.  Your dog will be required to receive a booster for all of these at one year of age.  After the one-year booster, we will begin staggering these vaccines.  Your dog will receive the Canine Distemper vaccine one year, the Parvovirus vaccine the next year, and the Rabies vaccine in the third year. 

2.  The Rabies vaccination schedule is government regulated and will not change.  We will give the first vaccine after four months of age.  A booster vaccination will be given in one year and then revaccination will occur every three years after that. 

3.  The Bordetella vaccination, commonly referred to as the Kennel Cough vaccine, has been shown to have a duration of immunity of less than one year.  Due to this, we will require that all boarding dogs be vaccinated for Bordetella every 6 months.  We would also strongly recommend that any dog that goes to grooming facilities, dog parks, dog training, or routinely come in contact with other dogs be vaccinated for Bordetella.

VACCINES FOR CATS

1.  The Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia vaccine (or RCP) will be given to kittens in a series of two to three vaccinations.  After one year your cat will receive a booster vaccination and then be revaccinated every three years. 

2.  The Rabies vaccine that we will be giving to our feline patients will be a new special recombinant, non-adjuvanted vaccine.  There is some evidence to suggest that this vaccine decreases the incidence of rabies vaccine reactions ( including vaccine-associated sarcomas) in cats.  This vaccine will need a booster every year.

3.  The recommendations for the Feline Leukemia vaccine have not changed.  The initial vaccination will require a series of two injections.  Revaccination will then be required on an annual basis.  The Feline Leukemia vaccine is recommended for cats that are outdoor cats, cats that live in multiple cat households, and cats that stay at boarding facilities.

There are other vaccines available for both dogs and cats that we do not routinely recommend.  If you have questions about any other vaccines, please ask our veterinarian about them.  Please keep in mind that our vaccination protocol is considered extra-label usage and is not the protocol for which the vaccines have been licensed.  However, it is based upon the latest and best veterinary immunological research that is available today.  We will continue to routinely reevaluate our vaccine recommendations and make any changes to our protocol that are necessary to provide the best care and protection for your pet.