VACCINE INFORMATION

NOTE:  Vaccines form only a part of the  puppy program or part of the  kitten program

BASIC BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

There are over 25 types of canine and feline vaccines for veterinarians to choose from

Polyvalent Vaccines:  These are vaccines that provide protection for more than one disease agent.  So, for example a vaccine that is called a DHPP will provide protection for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza  (see the table below)

Monovalent Vaccines: These are vaccines that provide protection for only one disease agent.  For example a panleukopenia vaccine will protect for panleukopenia (feline distemper) only.

Polyvalent or Monovalent  - which is better?  It is generally accepted that is it better to give monovalent vaccines where possible.

Modified Live Viral (MLV) vaccines -  these are vaccines with partly live viral components representing the different disease agents that the vaccine is meant to provide protection for.  Generally speaking, MLV vaccines stimulate a stronger immune response. Pets vaccinated with partly live viral vaccines may experience mild symptoms reflective of the diseases the vaccine is providing immunity against.  There are, however, certain circumstances where an MLV vaccine should not be used, for example in pets with already compromised immune systems.

Killed vaccines - these vaccines contain only killed components representing the disease agent that the vaccine is meant to provide protection for.  Often, killed vaccines contain something called an adjuvant this is a substance meant to enhance an immune response - as the response from the killed component alone is weak compared with a MLV vaccine.

WHAT TO VACCINATE FOR?:

• Core Vaccines are vaccines that are considered required for all dogs and cats due to high risk of developing the disease if they are not vaccinated regardless of their individual circumstances or because City By-Law requires a specific vaccination, such as Rabies vaccination.
• Non-Core Vaccines are vaccines that are given to protect dogs and cats with a increased risk of getting those infections because of their individual circumstances.  Perhaps they travel to areas where the risk of getting exposed to an infection is higher.
• A Risk Assessment will be done for each patient to determine which vaccines should be given and how often they should be boostered.
• For more information on Puppy and Adult Dog Vaccines click here
• For more information on Kitten and Adult Cat Vaccines click here

WHEN TO VACCINATE?: 

• The age to begin vaccination depends on when your puppy or kitten was taken away from his/her mother and whether Mom was properly vaccinated with the core vaccines.
• Moms deliver antibodies in the colostrum (this is the name for milk that is the first drink of mother's milk that puppies and kittens get right after birth).  These antibodies help to protect against infection for a while but they gradually disappear and we must vaccinate to get the puppy's or kitten's immunity levels back in a protective range.
• Boosters  are required at different times for different vaccines but in general every 3-4 weeks until the puppy or kitten is 16 weeks old. 
• How many boosters, again will depend on the age at which we are starting the vaccine program. 

Link to more information on vaccines and vaccination