Are We OVER Vaccinating Our Pets?
This is to help make people know what they are doing to their pets. Please do further research yourself if this causes interest, make your own decisions based on your own research. This is for informational purposes only. Some search engine keywords: vaccinosis, preservatives vaccine, injection site tumors.
Evidence currently available will soon lead to the following facts being accepted: * The immune systems of dogs and cats mature fully at six months and any modified live virus (MLV) vaccine given after that age produces immunity that is good for the life of that pet. * If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens from the subsequent so there is little or no effect; the pet is not 'boosted', nor are more memory cells induced. * Not only are annual boosters for canine parvovirus 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 and kittens receive antibodies through their mothers' milk. This natural protection can last eight to 14 weeks. * Puppies and kittens should NOT be vaccinated at less than eight weeks of age. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection will be produced. * Vaccination at six weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first effective vaccine. * Vaccines given two weeks apart SUPPRESS rather than stimulate the immune system. This would give possible new guidelines as follows: 1. A series of vaccinations is given starting at eight weeks of age (or preferably later) and given three to four weeks apart, up to 16 weeks of age. 2. One further booster is given sometime after six months of age and will then provide life-long immunity. In light of data now available showing the needless use and potential harm of annual vaccination, we call on our profession to cease the policy of annual vaccination. Can we wonder that clients are losing faith in vaccination and researching the issue themselves? We think they are right to do so. Politics, tradition or the economic well-being of veterinary surgeons and pharmaceutical companies should not be a factor in making medical decisions. It is accepted that the annual examination of a pet is advisable. We undervalue ourselves, however, if we hang this essential service on the back of vaccination and will ultimately suffer the consequences. Do we need to wait until we see actions against vets, such as those launched in the state of Texas by Dr Robert Rogers? He asserts that the present practice of marketing vaccinations for companion animals constitutes fraud by misrepresentation, fraud by silence and theft by deception. |