Changes in Vaccination Protocols
Vaccines have been a tremendous asset for veterinary medicine. Diseases such as distemper and rabies, which used to claim so many of our pets, are almost a thing of the past. However, vaccines are not entirely benign – research over the past decade has revealed many effects, both good and bad, of vaccines. We have learned, for example, that most of the diseases prevented by the canine and feline “distemper” vaccines do not require annual boosters; every 3 years is sufficient. We have also known for some time that cats stand a very small, but real, chance of developing a tumor at the site where vaccines are injected. A small percentage of pets will likewise suffer adverse effects from vaccines that can range from mild lethargy to a more severe, shock-like reaction.
Vaccination protocols involve a delicate balance of competing factors: we strive to maximize the benefits of vaccines and minimize their drawbacks. As the above findings illustrate, current vaccination protocols leave room for improvement. Our new protocols are set forth below. Please note that puppy and kitten vaccines will not be affected. The new protocols start with the second set of adult boosters.
Adult Feline Vaccine Protocol
The new feline protocol will:
- Extend the interval between FVRCP (feline “distemper”) vaccines to 3 years.
- Utilize the PureVax rabies vaccine, which has been shown not to cause an injection-site tumor.
- Administer the feline leukemia vaccine only to cats that go outdoors.
The net result will be the exact same amount of injections (while the FVRCP will be every 3 years, the PureVax rabies vaccine is annual), but a safer protocol. You may also notice that we give feline vaccines at specific sites: FVRCP in the right shoulder, rabies in the right rear leg, and leukemia in the left rear leg. This is done to monitor the likely culprit in the event of an injection-site reaction.
Adult Canine Vaccine Protocol
The canine “distemper” vaccine is also known as the DHLP/P vaccine. It prevents 3 core diseases: distemper virus, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. It also prevents 2 diseases of lesser significance: hepatitis virus and parainfluenza virus. Of these diseases, all but Leptospirosis can be protected by boosters every 3 years. Therefore, we will now:
- Continue the kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccine on a 6-month basis.
- Continue the rabies vaccine on a 3-year basis.
- Give distemper and parvovirus vaccines every 3 years.
- Give an annual, more comprehensive leptospirosis vaccine.
Leptospirosis is a bacterium that attacks the kidneys and liver. It is a highly contagious disease that people can get from their dogs (and vice-versa). Cases are rare, but serious. There are several different strains of Lepto; the old DHLP/P vaccine only prevented 2 of those strains. Our new Lepto vaccine will prevent the 4 most common strains. Thus, our new protocol will provide greater protection against Lepto and will reduce the number of boosters your pet needs against other diseases.
We will also stagger the timing so as to minimize the number of vaccines your pet needs on a given visit. For example, we will give the distemper vaccine in year a; the parvo vaccine in year b; the rabies vaccine in year c; and start again with distemper in year d.
Our new protocols are a strong step forward for pet health. However, the changes admittedly complicate a long-standing process familiar to both veterinarians and their clients. Here are answers to a few questions we’ve already fielded about the new protocols.
How can I possibly remember this new protocol?
Thankfully, you don’t have to! We will continue to keep track of your pet’s vaccination history and send reminders as we have done in the past.
Will this new protocol cost any more or less?
For cats, the cost will remain the same. Cats will receive the same total number of vaccines as before. For dogs, dividing the DHLP/P into 3 individual vaccines may increase the total vaccine cost by less than $5 per year.
I thought canine flu was an emerging disease – why do you say the parainfluenza vaccine is of lesser importance?
There are many strains of influenza virus that can affect dogs. The old parainfluenza vaccine prevents a strain that is almost never seen these days. The emerging canine flu is a strain for which we do not yet have an effective vaccine. In any event, our Bordetella vaccine also protects against the old parainfluenza and hepatitis viruses. There is no need for an additional vaccine against these 2 diseases.
Why change something that has worked well in the past?
Our goal at KAMC is simple: we want to provide the best possible care for your pet. We only utilize vaccines that are effective and necessary for our region, and we only booster when required. If your pet doesn’t need a vaccine, then we don’t want to give it.
For more information, or if you have questions and concerns, please contact us at 919-469-8086, or email Dr. Livaudais. |