Vaccinations

Your puppy or kitten will need multiple vaccination boosters during the first 4-5 months of its life.  The reason for this is that the young animal's immune system is not able to respond as quickly or as effectively as the adults.  Puppies and kittens also receive antibodies from their mother's milk that serve to protect them from infection during the first few months of life.  These maternal antibodies may interfere with the ability of vaccinations to induce the immune system of the puppy or kitten to produce needed antibodies of its own to protect them. Normally the levels of maternal antibodies decline over the first 1-2 months of life, but can interfere with vaccines for up to 14 weeks of age.

In theory, vaccination before 8 weeks will generally be ineffective because of the presence of the maternal antibodies. At OPVMC, we do not generally recommend vaccinating before 8 weeks of age.  The booster series for core vaccines (needed by all pets) for puppies and kittens is listed below.  There are other vaccines that may be given on a case-by-case basis and are generally referred to as non-core vaccines. Ask your veterinarian to discuss these vaccines with you.
Puppies

All vaccines listed above should be boostered (repeated) again at about the one year mark for the first year.

Kittens

All vaccines listed above should be boostered again at about the one year mark for the first year.


Vaccination Boosters

Booster vaccinations throughout the animal's life are necessary to "re-charge" the immune system. Over time the immune response to the initial vaccination wanes, and the immune system may need to be reminded.  The time frame in which the vaccine looses its effectiveness can vary.  Currently, OPVMC follows the recommendations of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force and those of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Following your pet's puppy or kitten vaccination series, your pet will need a booster in one year for all vaccines.  The interval for subsequent vaccinations varies depending upon the vaccination type.

Core Vaccines (those diseases that cause serious illness, death, and debilitation):

Non-core vaccines (those diseases that are more environmentally localized, where exposure is dependent upon environmental factors and/or your pets' habits):

Your veterinarian will perform a "risk assessment" evaluation and determine which noncore vaccines are needed by your pet based on lifestyle.


Vaccine Reactions:

Generally, after being given a vaccine, kittens and puppies may be lethargic for a day, even run a low grade fever and feel "out of sorts".   There may be swelling at the injection site and some pain, usually expressed by a reluctance to move or a whimper or cry when touched.  Some adult animals react this way too.  As long as your pet is eating and drinking, not nauseous and seems to be getting around, just a little slower than usual for a day, the reaction is considered "normal".  Loss of appetite, vomiting, fever or extreme pain are signs that you need to call OPVMC for advice and to report the vaccine reaction.
 
On rare occasions, your pet may have an anaphylactic (allergic) reaction to one of the vaccinations.  Unfortunately, there is no way for us to know if this will occur before the vaccine is given. Signs of a vaccine reaction include swelling around the eyes, chest, neck, front legs, facial swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Sometimes allergies develop for a vaccine that your pet has received many times before without allergic reaction.  Ferrets seem to be especially prone to severe allergic reactions to vaccinations.

Generally, these reactions are treatable.  Call our hospital right away for advice.  In special circumstances of vaccine reaction, the vaccination protocol may need to be modified for your pet.  Often, we will simply give a dose of Benadryl 15-20 minutes prior to any vaccination given in the future.  Again, vaccine reactions are a rare occurrence, but serious. 

Please advise your veterinarian if your pet has had an adverse reaction to vaccines in the past.  More common (but still rare) side effects of vaccination are low-grade fever, slight depression, and decreased appetite.  These side effects are usually transitory, lasting for 24-48 hours.  The standard OPVMC recommendation is for pets to be monitored for several hours after vaccinations.  If possible, schedule your pet's vaccination appointment on a day when you are free to be with your pet afterwards.

As with all aspects of your pet's health care, if you have any questions or concerns about vaccinating your pet, please discuss these with your veterinarian.