Canine Vaccination Guidelines
The duration of immunity for vaccines for diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus have been shown to be 7 years. More importantly it has been scientifically proven that, after the initial series, when vaccines are re-administered the immune status of the patient is not enhanced. Antibodies from the initial vaccine block the subsequent vaccines from having any effect.
Although the true interval at which re-administration of Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus and Para influenza vaccinations will enhance the immunity in a significant number of dogs has not been determined, an arbitrary compromise interval of every three years has been agreed upon by the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and 22 Schools of Veterinary Medicine. It is the consensus of immunologists and experts that the duration of immunity is much longer and probably the life of the patient. This three-year compromise interval will greatly reduce the number of antigens administered, and therefore the risk of adverse reactions, while providing the most complete protection against preventable diseases possible.
These are the recommendations of Bob Rogers DVM based on
Peer Reviewed Journal Publications (References)
The American Association of Feline Practitioners
The American Veterinary Medical Association
Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents
Texas A&M University
Colorado State University
Cornell University
The American Animal Hospital Association
Vaccination Schedule:
Core vaccines – recommended for all dogs
| Vaccine | Initial | >12 Weeks | 1st Annual | Re- Administration Interval | Comments |
| Rabies (killed) | 16 weeks | One vaccination | 1 yr after the initialvaccination | Every 3 years. | Due to age & maternal antibodies, closer to 4 months is better |
| Distemper (MLV) | 8 weeks 12 weeks 16 weeks | 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart | Yes. Will provide lifetime immunity. | AAHA-Every three years (compromise) | Recombinant vaccine for breeds like Weimaraners may preventHOD |
| Parvovirus (MLV | 8 weeks 12 weeks 16 weeks | 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart | Yes –DOI 7 yrs+Probably lifetime | None needed. Duration of immunity 7.5 years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending. | At 6 weeks of age, only 30% of puppies are protected but 100% are exposed to the virus at the vet clinic. |
| Non-Core | Only recommended where there is a chance of exposure |
| Bordetella (Intranasal) (killed) | Intra Nasal 4 days prior to boarding Inj. 3 weeks prior to Boarding Inj followed by Intra Nasal demonstrated better protection | Mfg recommends one dose | YesImmune response is faster with boosters | Annually(Para influenza every 3 years?) | Para influenza only protects against 1 of 8+ causes of Kennel CoughBordetella |
| Intranasal Bordetella takes effect in 72 hrs to take effect vs. injectable requires 2 weeks to take effect. Recommended 3 days prior to boarding, grooming & dog shows. Protects against 2 of the possible 8 causes of kennel cough. Duration of immunity 6 months. |
| Leptospirosis | 1.) There are an average of 12 cases of Lepto annually in Texas. 2.) Side effects are common. 3.) The most commonly used vaccine contains the wrong serovars. (There is no cross-protection of serovars) There is a new vaccine with 2 new serovars. Two vaccinations twice per year would be required for protection.) 4.) The risk of side effects outweighs benefits. |
| Lyme | 1.) Vector tick/reservoir relationship not in Texas 2.) 85% of cases are in 9 New England area States, Minnesota and Wisconsin. 3.) There is a possible side effect of polyarthritis from the vaccine. |
Vaccines Not Recommended For Dogs
| Distemper & Parvo @ 6 weeks or younger | Not recommended. At this age, maternal antibodies form the mothers milk (colostrum) will neutralize the vaccine and only 30% for puppies will be protected. 100% will be exposed to the virus at the vet clinic. |
| Corona | Not recommended. 1. Disease only affects dogs < 8 weeks of age. 2. Corona is a rare disease, only 1 case reported in 7 yrs at each of these Vet Schools: TAMU, Cornell, Colo.St., U.Cal.@ Davis 3. Efficacy of vaccine questionable, IgA Mucosal antibodies needed |
| Giardia | Not recommended 1. Efficacy of Vaccine unsubstantiated by independent studies. 2. IgA mucosal antibodies? Immunity against a complex organism? 3. Natural infection does not provide immunity. |