|
NOTICE:
all veterinary schools in North American are changing their
vaccination protocols. Recent editions of the Senior Dogs
Project's newsletter have reported on the ever-broadening trend of
eliminating vaccinations for adult dogs, except for rabies, where
required by state law. We have now had a report that all 27
veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing
their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Here, in a
nutshell, are the new guidelines under consideration: Dogs
and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a
modified live virus (MLV) vaccine is given after 6 months of age,
it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (i.e.,
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 and 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 months) will provide lifetime immunity." (I
have found that the Neopar Parvo vaccine is the only vaccine that
will override maternal antibodies.) The
shot protocol I follow is:
-
At 8 weeks Neopar
Parvo.
-
At 10 weeks DA2.
-
At 12 weeks
Progard 5 (only). (No corona or lymes.)
-
At 16 weeks
Progard 5 and rabies.
-
Lepto can
be given at any age.
-
At six
months a rabies shot can be given.
-
AMA does
not recommend Canine Adenovirus, Corona, and Giardia.
-
No other
shot is needed again until 3 years of age. At this time,
a titer should be done to determine if a booster is needed for
Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus 2, and rabies. If you have
a dog that has an impaired immune system check with your
veterinarian to see if you can get a statement to exempt you
from getting another rabies shot.
You need NOT get any shots until 12 weeks.
-
Bordatella
(intranasal) vaccine for Kennel Cough is not recommended as it
causes more problems than it prevents.
Another
approach to vaccinations uses a homeopathic method called nosodes
which are oral vaccinations. From what I've been able to
research, if your dog has been vaccinated by using nosodes, it may
not show up on titer levels.
Recent studies
being conducted question the overuse of vaccinations that could
potentially be contributing to cancers and other auto-immune
problems in dogs and cats today. Vaccinations are important
to protect dogs from disease, but too many of them may not be such
a good thing. Discuss any vaccination concerns with your
veterinarian. |
