FAQ about vaccinations…
Why do puppies and kittens need so many vaccinations?
When kittens and puppies are born, their immune systems are not yet mature and therefore are very susceptible to infection. When our young pets first nurse their mothers they receive all the antibodies that the mother has to offer providing them with immunity until their own system can take over.  Birthing order, how well they nursed and other factors influence how long the maternal antibodies will provide protection.  This period of time is very individual from pet to pet.  By 16 to 20 weeks of age, maternal antibodies are gone and the pet will be able continue on its own immune system.

Any vaccines given while maternal immunity is present will be inactivated. We will vaccinate your puppy or kitten with a series of vaccines ending at a time when we know their own immune system should be able to respond. Waiting until your pet is old enough to definitely respond, as we do with the rabies vaccination, could leave a large window of vulnerability if the maternal antibody wanes early.

 

Vaccinations...  which ones do I need?
We are frequently asked which vaccines we recommend for cats and dogs. We feel that each pet is an individual and should be vaccinated for what they are likely to come in contact with. There are many factors that come into consideration. Does your pet go to the groomers? Do you go to puppy classes? Does your cat spend a percentage of time outside? We do a risk assessment for your pet to determine what vaccines are recommended.
 

Are vaccines harmless?

The short answer to this is no. Whenever a vaccine is administered the immune system is stimulated, resulting in an inflammatory response that may be typical or lead to an allergic reaction (see below). Unvaccinated pets may have an increased risk of developing a preventable diseases which we consider a greater risk then the vaccines themselves. Vaccines are licensed based on the minimum duration they can be expected to provide protection. Some vaccines are labeled for 3 years and some for 1 year. There are studies being done to determine if certain vaccines have a longer duration of action and as the results of these studies become available we will see changes in the frequency they are given. These studies are done across an expanse of years and are expensive.

Will my pet have an allergic reaction?

Vaccine reactions can be seen immediately or may be delayed up to 48 hours. Muscle soreness, lethargy and mild fever persisting for a day or two are considered typical adverse reactions to stimulation of the immune system. If your pet has a more serious reaction then you should call immediately.  Signs of a more serious reaction may include hives, facial swelling, nausea or vomiting, shock and possibly death (anaphylactic reactions). Vaccine reactions such as this are very rare and are a function of a pet’s individual immune response.  Allergic reactions characterized by facial swelling and hives are a strong sign that special care should be taken in administering vaccinations in the future. Since allergic reactions can potentially become worse with each episode, it is important to take heed of these signs. There is evidence that some breeds are more predisposed than others to having vaccine reactions. Knowing this, at River Road Veterinary Hospital we recommend giving these pets medications to lessen the likelihood of this.