Discussion and Considerations
Vaccination is a valuable and necessary component of a good wellcare plan when done judiciously and with an individual pet's needs in mind. Vaccinations are not benign, as most vaccines induce a powerful immune response. We are lucky that we have access to these vaccines so that we can protect our pets from many common, deadly diseases. But keep in mind that overusing a vaccine can also predispose your pet to unnecessary inflammation and potential aberrant immune responses.
Rabies Vaccine
First, vaccinating against the rabies virus is a no brainer- I absolutely always recommend following your county guidelines for rabies vaccination. Pets and farm animals are at risk for rabies infection nationwide and new cases are reported to the CDC monthly. There exists a reservoir of rabies virus among different wildlife populations including but not limited to bats, skunks, foxes, opossums, and racoons. Rabies is easily transmitted from animals to humans. Recovery from rabies once infected is essentially impossible. Enough said. Beyond the rabies virus, however, what to vaccinate for becomes a little bit more customizable in my opinion. Do, however, consider spacing the inoculations so that rabies is not given on the same day as an additional vaccination is given. Below is the AAHA guideline for their canine rabies vaccination protocol:
Rabies 1-year (vaccine that is labeled for one year)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
- One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
- For all dogs: annually as required by law
Rabies 3-year (vaccine that is labeled for three years)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
- One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
For all dogs: within 1 year of initial dose regardless of age at time of initial dose, then every 3 years thereafter as required by law
Rabies 1-year (vaccine that is labeled for one year)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
- One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
- For all dogs: annually as required by law
Rabies 3-year (vaccine that is labeled for three years)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
- One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
For all dogs: within 1 year of initial dose regardless of age at time of initial dose, then every 3 years thereafter as required by law
Canine Core Vaccines
Summary of New 2011 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines for 2011. Dr. Schultz is a well known veterinarian who has done extensive (non corporate biased) research into companion animal vaccinations. His research is cited throughout the newly revised AAHA vaccination guidelines. These guidelines reflect the now accepted trend of administering fewer vaccines over the course of an animal's lifetime.
Canine Distemper (CDV)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
-Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks to minimize risk of maternal antibody interference
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
-One dose
Revaccination:
-For puppies who received initial vaccination series by 16 weeks, a booster no later than 1 year after completion of initial series, then ≥ 3 years thereafter
-For dogs who received initial vaccination after 16 weeks of age, every ≥ 3 years thereafter
Notes: Among healthy dogs, distemper vaccines are expected to induce immunity for at least 5-7 years.
Canine Parvo (CPV-2)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
-Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks to minimize risk of maternal antibody interference
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
-One dose
Revaccination:
-For puppies who received initial vaccination series by 16 weeks, a booster no later than 1 year after completion of initial series, then ≥ 3 years thereafter
-For dogs who received initial vaccination after 16 weeks of age, every ≥ 3 years thereafter
Notes: Among healthy dogs, parvo vaccines are expected to induce immunity for at least 5-7 years.
Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
-Starting at 6 to 8 weeks, three doses every 3 to 4 weeks (at 6, 10, 14 or at 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks to minimize risk of maternal antibody interference
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
-For puppies who received initial vaccination series by 16 weeks, a booster no later than 1 year after completion of initial series, then ≥ 3 years thereafter
-For dogs who received initial vaccination after 16 weeks of age, every ≥ 3 years thereafter
Canine Distemper (CDV)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
-Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks to minimize risk of maternal antibody interference
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
-One dose
Revaccination:
-For puppies who received initial vaccination series by 16 weeks, a booster no later than 1 year after completion of initial series, then ≥ 3 years thereafter
-For dogs who received initial vaccination after 16 weeks of age, every ≥ 3 years thereafter
Notes: Among healthy dogs, distemper vaccines are expected to induce immunity for at least 5-7 years.
Canine Parvo (CPV-2)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
-Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks to minimize risk of maternal antibody interference
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
-One dose
Revaccination:
-For puppies who received initial vaccination series by 16 weeks, a booster no later than 1 year after completion of initial series, then ≥ 3 years thereafter
-For dogs who received initial vaccination after 16 weeks of age, every ≥ 3 years thereafter
Notes: Among healthy dogs, parvo vaccines are expected to induce immunity for at least 5-7 years.
Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age:
-Starting at 6 to 8 weeks, three doses every 3 to 4 weeks (at 6, 10, 14 or at 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks to minimize risk of maternal antibody interference
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
-For puppies who received initial vaccination series by 16 weeks, a booster no later than 1 year after completion of initial series, then ≥ 3 years thereafter
-For dogs who received initial vaccination after 16 weeks of age, every ≥ 3 years thereafter
Canine Non Core Vaccines
Below are the 2011 AAHA Vaccination Guidelines for vaccines that are available but not recommended for the general canine population You need to discuss whether or not to administer these non core vaccines with your veterinarian. I do not give these vaccines to my patients.
Measles Vaccine (MV)
This vaccine is supposed to provide temporary immunization of young puppies against distemper by 'cross-protecting' them against the disease in the event there are still maternally derived antibodies present. It is always given in combination with other vaccines – distemper plus measles, or a 4-way combination of distemper plus measles plus adenovirus plus parainfluenza. It is only recommended for healthy dogs between 6 and 12 weeks of age.
Canine Parainfluenza (CPiV)
There are two delivery systems for this vaccine – intranasal and parenteral (injected). This is a flu vaccine. The intranasal form prevents clinical signs of illness, infection and shedding. The injected form prevents clinical illness, but not infection or shedding. It is used for dogs that aggressively resist intranasal delivery. The parenteral vaccine is always given in combination with certain core vaccines; the intranasal form is always given in combination with the bordetella vaccine alone, or with bordetella plus adenovirus.
It is always given in a single dose. Revaccination recommendations, depending on the form of the vaccine (intranasal or parenteral), are per the combined core vaccine schedule, annually, or more frequently for 'high risk' animals.
Bordetella (Bb) Vaccine
The bordetella vaccine can also be delivered intranasally or by injection. Parenteral administration requires two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart. For the initial vaccination, it is recommended the second dose be given at least a week before the dog is boarded, attends a dog show, etc. Revaccination is recommended annually. The intranasal vaccine is single dose, with revaccination recommended annually or more often for 'high risk' dogs. Some dogs experience side effects for 3 to 10 days after vaccination, including coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge.
Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) – Intranasal
The intranasal form of the adenovirus vaccine is a non-core vaccine. It's recommended for dogs at risk for respiratory infection caused by the adenovirus, and it may not provide immunity against canine hepatitis. It should not be considered a replacement for the injectable form of the vaccine. This vaccine is available only in combination with the intranasal bordetella and parainfluenza vaccines.
Canine Influenza
Vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart, in dogs older than 6 weeks. Annual revaccination is recommended.
Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
Vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart, in dogs older than 12 weeks of age. Revaccination is recommended annually and/or at the beginning of tick season as determined regionally.
Notes: Recommended only for use in dogs with known risk of exposure, living in or visiting regions where exposure risk is high or where Lyme disease is endemic. Tick control products are required in addition to the vaccine.
Leptospira interrogans **This refers to the 4-way killed whole cell or subunit bacterin. **The 2-way killed bacterin form of this vaccine is not recommended.
Vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart, in dogs older than 12 weeks of age. Revaccination is recommended annually, but only for dogs with reasonable risk of exposure.
Notes: Vaccination should be based on known geographic occurrence/prevalence and exposure risk of the individual dog.
Canine Oral Melanoma
This vaccine is only available for treatment of dogs with malignant melanoma. It is not intended for the prevention of oral melanoma.
Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondback rattlesnake vaccine) (toxoid)
Field efficacy and experimental challenge data in dogs are not available at this time. (Vaccine efficacy and dose recommendations are based on toxin neutralization studies conducted in mice.)
Canine Coronavirus (CCov)
This vaccine is not recommended. Neither the modified live nor the killed CCov vaccine has proved effective against combination coronavirus/parvo disease. Only the parvo vaccine is protective against dual viruses.
Measles Vaccine (MV)
This vaccine is supposed to provide temporary immunization of young puppies against distemper by 'cross-protecting' them against the disease in the event there are still maternally derived antibodies present. It is always given in combination with other vaccines – distemper plus measles, or a 4-way combination of distemper plus measles plus adenovirus plus parainfluenza. It is only recommended for healthy dogs between 6 and 12 weeks of age.
Canine Parainfluenza (CPiV)
There are two delivery systems for this vaccine – intranasal and parenteral (injected). This is a flu vaccine. The intranasal form prevents clinical signs of illness, infection and shedding. The injected form prevents clinical illness, but not infection or shedding. It is used for dogs that aggressively resist intranasal delivery. The parenteral vaccine is always given in combination with certain core vaccines; the intranasal form is always given in combination with the bordetella vaccine alone, or with bordetella plus adenovirus.
It is always given in a single dose. Revaccination recommendations, depending on the form of the vaccine (intranasal or parenteral), are per the combined core vaccine schedule, annually, or more frequently for 'high risk' animals.
Bordetella (Bb) Vaccine
The bordetella vaccine can also be delivered intranasally or by injection. Parenteral administration requires two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart. For the initial vaccination, it is recommended the second dose be given at least a week before the dog is boarded, attends a dog show, etc. Revaccination is recommended annually. The intranasal vaccine is single dose, with revaccination recommended annually or more often for 'high risk' dogs. Some dogs experience side effects for 3 to 10 days after vaccination, including coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge.
Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) – Intranasal
The intranasal form of the adenovirus vaccine is a non-core vaccine. It's recommended for dogs at risk for respiratory infection caused by the adenovirus, and it may not provide immunity against canine hepatitis. It should not be considered a replacement for the injectable form of the vaccine. This vaccine is available only in combination with the intranasal bordetella and parainfluenza vaccines.
Canine Influenza
Vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart, in dogs older than 6 weeks. Annual revaccination is recommended.
Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
Vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart, in dogs older than 12 weeks of age. Revaccination is recommended annually and/or at the beginning of tick season as determined regionally.
Notes: Recommended only for use in dogs with known risk of exposure, living in or visiting regions where exposure risk is high or where Lyme disease is endemic. Tick control products are required in addition to the vaccine.
Leptospira interrogans **This refers to the 4-way killed whole cell or subunit bacterin. **The 2-way killed bacterin form of this vaccine is not recommended.
Vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart, in dogs older than 12 weeks of age. Revaccination is recommended annually, but only for dogs with reasonable risk of exposure.
Notes: Vaccination should be based on known geographic occurrence/prevalence and exposure risk of the individual dog.
Canine Oral Melanoma
This vaccine is only available for treatment of dogs with malignant melanoma. It is not intended for the prevention of oral melanoma.
Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondback rattlesnake vaccine) (toxoid)
Field efficacy and experimental challenge data in dogs are not available at this time. (Vaccine efficacy and dose recommendations are based on toxin neutralization studies conducted in mice.)
Canine Coronavirus (CCov)
This vaccine is not recommended. Neither the modified live nor the killed CCov vaccine has proved effective against combination coronavirus/parvo disease. Only the parvo vaccine is protective against dual viruses.
**Note that my thoughts on small animal wellcare, including nutritional needs and vaccination strategies, are not intended to be general medical advice. Please discuss any of the above topics with your own veterinary medical provider!