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Dear Pet Owner,
I am writing to you today to inform you of recently reported
information concerning vaccination intervals and vaccination risks
in our pets. They are much healthier and safer today due
to vaccinations that prevent potentially fatal diseases such
as Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper),
Feline Leukemia, and many others. It would be ill-advised to
allow the possibility of a vaccine reaction, which occurs in only a
very small percentage of pets, to convince you not to vaccinate
against preventable fatal diseases.
Research at major universities shows that the newer, purer, more
potent vaccines used by veterinarians have been improved to the
point that they may now provide protection to vaccinated animals
for more than one year, perhaps even for several years in some
cases. We also know that there are risks associated with the
use of any vaccine or medication, and although rare, there are
sometimes reactions to vaccination that may be life threatening
and/or produce life threatening conditions. No one knows for
certain, yet, if vaccinating less frequently will reduce the
incidence of vaccination reactions or vaccine related
conditions. The vaccines we use are labeled to be boostered
with an annual revaccination after completing the initial
vaccination series, and the manufacturers have proven that the
vaccines will produce an acceptable level of immunity in most
vaccinated animals for at least one year. We can be most
certain that pets are protected from these diseases if we adhere to
the manufacturer's recommendations. However, and depending on
the individual circumstances of each animal, extending the
vaccination interval with the vaccines we currently use may be safe
and prudent.
All vaccines are not alike, so we believe that you should know that
there are some lower quality vaccines available to the public as
over-the-counter products, often at reduced cost, that may provide
less purity and a lower level and duration of protection per dose
while potentially increasing the risk of vaccination
reactions. We do not recommend the use of those products.
Currently, the state of Texas requires owners of dogs and cats to
have them vaccinated against rabies at three months of age, with
annual revaccinations thereafter. We will continue this
recommendation for all our patients until the state rabies law is
revised by the Texas legislature and other state regulations are
adopted. We will also continue offering other vaccinations as
boosters as frequently as deemed necessary by Drs. Emerson and
Frey, annually for some vaccines and triennially for others, unless
you choose otherwise, or unless those vaccines are medically
contraindicated for your pet. Some of our friends and clients
have stated they feel safer if their pets are vaccinated annually
as has been done for years. In those cases, we will adhere to
their wishes.
There is good evidence obtained through thorough research
indicating that not all animals need annual vaccinations, but these
same studies do not tell us which ones do. It is highly
likely that some pets, because of age, either young or old, or
compromised immune systems or ill health, will always need
vaccinations more frequently, rather than at intervals of 2 to 3
years. With the technology available today, we are unable to
determine which ones those are.
Young pets, both dogs and cats, starting their initial vaccination
series, require annual distemper vaccinations through their 4th
year of age. Research is ongoing at this time attempting to
define the true length of actual protective vaccine antibody levels
for all vaccines. Some diseases, such as Lyme disease in dogs
and feline leukemia in cats, still require annual
vaccinations. It has also been learned that one or two, such
as the Bordetella or canine kennel cough vaccine, should be
administered every 6 months for good immunity. Indoor/outdoor
or totally outdoor cats should be tested for feline leukemia and
feline AIDS annually.
Designing an individual schedule for your pet will take extra time
and effort on both our parts because consideration must be given to
benefits, risks, exposures, and your preferences. We will
need to collect additional personal information about your pet in
order for us to accurately assess the risks and exposures each of
our patients may face.
Our goal, as always, is to provide the best in veterinary medical
care for your pet to ensure the longest and healthiest life
possible. At the same time, we strive daily to maintain your
good will and trust because we value you as a friend and client of
Emerson Animal Hospital.
If you have questions concerning vaccinations or the infrequent
reactions related to them, please do not hesitate in calling us.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Harold Ray Emerson, D.V.M.
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