vaccinations

As far back as 2003, there were reports that
all 27 veterinary schools in North America
were considering new guidelines in relation
to annual vaccinations for pets. A new
protocol was accepted, which
acknowledged that the immune systems of
both dogs and cats are fully mature by the
age of 6 months. Therefore, if the animal is
vaccinated after the age of 6 months, it
results in immunity from the major diseases
vaccinated against – parvo virus and
distemper. If a further vaccination is given
a year later (the first of the so-called
“annual vaccinations”), the antibodies from
the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of
the second vaccine and there is little or no
effect.

Yes, you did read that correctly – little or no
effect.

The guidelines went further, finding that not
only are annual boosters for parvo and
distemper unnecessary, they subject the
pet to potential risks of allergic reactions
and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
Vaccinosis is a common term used for
these types of reactions. It can occur in any
animal. Animals that are most at risk of
experiencing such reactions are those
which were not in excellent health at the
time of the vaccinations. Unhealthy
animals should never be vaccinated.

But wait, there’s more (as the saying goes)
… the guidelines went on to find that there
is no scientific documentation to back up
label claims for annual administration of
MLV (modified live virus) vaccines. Yes,
NO scientific documentation to support
annual vaccinations!

Puppies receive antibodies through their
mothers milk, which is active for the first 8
to 14 weeks of puppies’ lives. A series of
vaccinations should be given starting at 8
weeks and given 3 to 4 weeks apart up to
16 weeks of age – so a maximum of 4
vaccinations between the ages of 8 and 16
weeks. A further vaccination given
sometime after 6 months of age (usually at
the age of 1 year 4 months) will then
provide lifetime immunity.

Yes, lifetime immunity.

So why are we still being misled into
believing that annual vaccinations for
animals are required?

Why indeed. There are a combination of
reasons, including –

(a) ignorance on the part of vets (although
as time goes on, there is less and less
excuse for this kind of ignorance),

(b) unwillingness to trust pet owners to
bring their pets in for an annual health
checkup and using the spectre of “required”
annual vaccinations as the means to get
pet owners to bring their pets in,

(c) profits.

Will you succumb to the continued
pressure to vaccinate your pet
unnecessarily every year, or will you take a
stand and advise your vet that you do not
wish to vaccinate your pet any more. (Of
course, you should always discuss the
issue with your vet, as it is of great
importance to have a vet you can work with
in relation to the holistic health of your pet.
Annual checkups are very important, and
you never know when you’ll need to call on
your vet if your pet is injured or gets sick).

If your vet will not support your decision not
to vaccinate your adult dog or cat, then find
a vet who will. Titer tests are an alternative
that your vet may suggest, and you may
wish to consider. Titers test the blood for
antibodies, which can reassure you that a
“booster” vaccination is not required.

Certainly there are laws which need to be
changed – including the laws which
currently govern boarding kennels in many
areas, which require any animal boarded to
be “up to date” with its annual
vaccinations. This is obviously a problem
for people who need to board their pets.
Some kennels will accept homeopathic
vaccinations such as homeopathic
distemper remedies and homeopathic
kennel cough remedies, but many will not.