Learn About Pet Vaccinations and their Overuse
This page outlines several prominent sources detailing expert assessments on Vaccination or Medication overuse.
Dr. Bob Rogers, DVM ~ Publisher of CARES site.
I would like to make you aware that the American Association of Feline Practitioners, The Academy of Veterinary Internal Medicine, The American Animal Hospital Association, The American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, and 22 Veterinary Schools in North America have changed their recommended protocols for vaccinating cats & dogs. (6, 15, 21) Our knowledge about immunity and the quality of available vaccines has improved greatly over the past seven years.
What DVM Suggests for Vets Tell Patients
From the DVM Newsletter site - What do we tell our clients?
Dr. Jean Dodds ~ Vaccine Protocols 2006 MINIMAL VACCINE USE:
From Dr. Jean Dodd's Vaccine Protocol Information
Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo,feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor are more memory cells induced. 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. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines. Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system.
A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-828-4804; Fax 310-828-8251
e-mail: hemopet@hotmail.com
Note: The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice.
Age of Pups & Vaccine Type
- 9-10 weeks - Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)
- 14 weeks - Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)
- 20 weeks or older, if allowable by law - Rabies
- 1 year (optional) - Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
- 1 year - Rabies, killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)
Owners should then perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus annually thereafter. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.
Dr. Dodds pages regarding Hypothyroidism, Low Thyroid condtions.
VACCINATION NEWSFLASH - Dr. Ihor Basko
I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical and economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well-being should not be a factor in medical decision. - Dr. Ihor Basko DVM
Dr. Basko writes Linda Arndt - www.greatdanelady.com
Hello Linda
Yes, this information from Dr. Dodds is accurate. I have been to many seminars of this subject given by Dr. Dodds and other specialists in the field of immunology, and they all hold the belief that veterinarians are over vaccinating animals, and sometime causing side-effects such as degenerative diseases related to the immune system, nervous system and the thyroid gland.
Ihor Basko, DVM
All Creatures Great & Small
Veterinary Clinic
