This note is to inform you of our vaccination protocols and issues that should be considered before pets are vaccinated. I have instituted vaccine protocol changes based on current research and recommendations from the Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force (Task Force) that is supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Veterinary Cancer Society. As a veterinarian, I want my patients to stay as healthy as possible. I do not want to see infectious disease increase. However, I also want to reduce the negative effects of over-vaccination.

              Vaccines have provided us with great protection from specific infectious diseases. In the past, it was felt that dogs and cats had greater exposure to these infectious diseases; so to protect them we vaccinated them annually. We have determined that many of our vaccinations are providing immunity for much longer than one year when strategically administered. Determining the length of immunity is a complex issue, one of which there is not a final answer. 

                Not all vaccines are created equal. There are many manufacturers, types of vaccines and preparation form.  Why not continue to vaccinate yearly? It is not the cost, as most vaccines are relatively inexpensive. It is because at least some vaccinations have been implicated in various risks. To summarize, some pets react very strongly to vaccines. Some will spike fevers and/or have a reaction similar to humans who are allergic to bee stings, reactions strong enough to cause death. Additionally, a specific and uncommon cancer called "fibrosarcoma" is associated with the sites where vaccines have been administered. Most of these vaccine site cancers have been found in cats.    Again, these vaccine site cancers are rare to uncommon in cats, and even rarer in dogs.

              Core vaccines for dogs include Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and ParvoVirus (DHPP) for dogs. We currently use Pfizer Vanguard Plus 5 vaccination.  We recommend puppies have this vaccine at approximately 7-8 weeks old, then every 3 to 4 weeks until 4 to 5 months old for most breeds.  I currently repeat this vaccine yearly until the dog is 2 ½ years old, then I readminister it every 2-3 years thereafter. 

             Leptospirosis is a component that we used to include in the core vaccines. However, we found that many of the vaccine reactions we saw in dogs were from the Lepto component. With that knowledge, many veterinarians discontinued using this vaccine. While cases of Leptospirosis are uncommon, the disease is again beginning to emerge. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. There are several types of this bacterium. People and dogs can both become infected with these bacteria if they are exposed to the urine of certain small furry animals such as rodents and raccoons that are infected with the bacteria. The disease can cause kidney and/or liver failure. A specific vaccine is required to protect against each type. We are again offering vaccination against Leptospirosis, but do not require it. We will not use it until a pup is older than 12 weeks old.   We provide a Leptospirosis Information handout to owners to help determine whether we will use that vaccine or not in their pup.  We use the a '4-way' lepto vaccine, which is by Pfizer Animal Health. Here is a link to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) about Lepto. 

                Per current recommendations, I do not vaccinate against Corona virus in dogs or cats. According to the literature, in dogs, this virus primarily affects pups less than 6 weeks old, and is not a significant disease in otherwise healthy puppies or dogs.     

                We do not carry or use the Giardia Vaccine.  The vaccine tends to increase the carrier state of infection, putting your family at greater risk.  Giardia is a treatable infection.

                I do not carry or recommend vaccination against Lymes disease for several reasons. We do not live in a Lymes disease endemic area, the vaccine against it is related to a higher degree of post-vaccinal diseases (worse than the disease itself), most of our pets have low exposure to ticks, and the disease is treatable with proper antibiotics.        

               I recommend vaccination for Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough) (Infectious TracheoBronchitis) two or three times yearly, as the immunity for this common and troublesome disease is short lived (less than one year). If not done every 6 months, then this vaccine should be given 2 weeks prior to boarding. There is information that the strain of Bordetella in our current vaccines is not covering all the strains of Kennel Cough. That maybe so, but, in my clinical experience, I have found that vaccinating 2 times yearly is effective for most pets to prevent the disease. We normally use Schering-Plough's Intratrac 3 intranasal (a liquid squirted into the nose, not injected).  For dogs that are not cooperative, we use a more traditional method of vaccine.  I do not enjoy administering this vaccine. I also do not enjoy treating the disease in under vaccinated dogs.  

                Rabies vaccine for dogs and cats will be administered based on our state law requirements. The initial rabies vaccine given as a pupor kitten will be repeated 1 year later, and thereafter every 3 years.  Given that rabies is a zoonosis (a disease shared by both man and animals), I require all patients be kept current with rabies vaccine administered in compliance with Washington State regulations.  We use Pfizer Defensor 3 rabies vaccine.

                  Core vaccinations for cats include Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus, and Panleukopenia Virus (FVRCP).   I recommend this vaccine 2 times in the initial kitten series for all kittens.  I also recommend Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) vaccine 2 times in the initial kitten series.  I give rabies vaccine once to kittens.   I recommend repeating the FVRCP, FELV and Rabies vaccine one year after the kitten vaccines were completed.  Thereafter, I rotate through these 3 vaccines, effectively administering each once every three years with the cat receiving one each year.  For cats that are indoor only, the FELV vaccine may be discontinued.  We use Pfizer Felocell 3 CVR and Pfizer Leukocell 2 for the above vaccines.

            We currently do not carry the vaccine against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).  If the vaccine proves to be effective at preventing the disease to my satisfaction, and proves to be safe to use, we will offer it.  Once this vaccine is used, your cat will test positive for the disease.  If you have your cat vaccinated with this, please be sure it is microchipped.

             We do not carry or recommend the Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus Vaccine.  Although it has been marketed for about 12-13 years, I am not convinced it prevents the disease and may precipitate the disease.

             We do not carry or recommend the vaccine against ringworm, which is now off the market.

             Vaccination should be considered a serious medical decision. Although we may make it look like a simple shot' there are many variables that we have considered.  Pets should only be vaccinated when they appear healthy upon physical exam.  Giving vaccines to sick or infected pets may not help the pet, and may put the pet at risk for other problems.   Since vaccines are meant to stimulate the immune system, giving the pet too many vaccines at one time can cause problems. We take careful consideration in selecting the manufacturers and components of our vaccines.  As well, we ensure proper transportation, storage and handling of vaccination products. You should allow your pet to only be vaccinated by trained veterinary staff with vaccines that have been chosen for their known effectiveness.  You should only allow vaccines to be given to your pet if you are satisfied the vaccine product has been properly handled and refrigerated from manufacturer to administration. 

                  To read more about Feline Vaccine Risks and Benefits click here.  

                  To read  more about Feline Vaccines and Sarcomas click here.