Vaccinations

 

   Introduction
The subject of Canine immunization is currently undergoing a number of changes that challenge and modify currently accepted practices. These challenges stem from evidence that much of the vaccination done today is unnecessary and can produce harmful and even fatal adverse reactions. Colorado State University has been a pioneer in studying this problem and has recently published the following set of recommendations for immunization protocols. We strongly support these recommendations.

 

   The CSU Recommendations
"New Vaccination protocol being recommended by Colorado State University"

A recent survey by one of the largest vaccine manufacturers (Pfizer) of small animal vaccination practices found 1,700 different vaccination recommendations for dogs and cats from veterinarians across the US. In January 1998 the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital will be offering it's clients one additional vaccination program. We are making this change after years of concern about the lack of scientific evidence to support the current practice of annual vaccination and the increasing documentation that over-vaccinating has been associated with harmful side effects.

Of particular note in this regard has been the association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia with vaccination in dogs and vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats.....both of which are often fatal. Boosters, the annual revaccination recommendation on the vaccine label is just that....a RECOMMENDATION, and is not a legal requirement except for Rabies The only commonly used vaccine that requires duration of immunity studies be carried out before licensure in the US is Rabies. Even with rabies vaccines, the label may be misleading in that a 3 year duration of immunity product may also be labeled and sold as a one year duration of immunity product.

Based on the concern that annual vaccination of small animals for many infectious agents is probably no longer scientifically justified, and our desire to avoid vaccine-associated adverse events, in January of 1998 we will be recommending a new immunization protocol to our small animal clients.

This program recommends the standard 3 shot series for puppies (parvovirus, adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, distemper), and kittens (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus) to include rabies after 12 weeks of age in cats and 16 weeks of age in dogs. Following the initial puppy and kitten immunization series, cats and dogs will be boostered one year later and then every 3 years thereafter for all the above diseases.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN OUR HEALTH FILES ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINIONS  OF THE CLUB OR IT’S MEMBERS BUT ARE MEANT FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.  PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN.

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