Dear Pet Owner,
I am writing to you concerning recently reported information about vaccination intervals and vaccination risks. Our pets are much healthier and safer today due to the vaccinations that prevent potentially fatal diseases such as Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia, and many others. It is very unwise to let the small percentage risk of an adverse event convince you to not vaccinate against preventable fatal diseases. Reasearch 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 product; 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 on some vaccinations may be safe and prudent.
All vaccines are not alike, and we think 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. If you choose to use these products on your pets, we recommend that you read and follow the label directions exactly.
Currently, Texas law requires owners of dogs and cats to have them vaccinated against Rabies by four months of age, with annual vaccinations thereafter, and we recommend this for all our patients. We will continue to offer other vaccinations as annual boosters unless you choose otherwise, or unless medically contraindicated for your pet. Designing an individual schedule for your pet will take extra time and effort on both our parts to consider and weigh the benefits, risks, exposures, and your preferences. My staff will need to collect additional personal information about your pet in order for me to accurately assess the risks and exposures your pet may face. When you call to set your vaccination appointment this year, if you wish to explore an extended schedule for your pet, we will mail you a questionaire asking for information about your pet's personal history. Please take the time to fill this out and drop it by the day before your appointment so that I will have time to review the information; fill it out and bring it with you to your appointment so that we can discuss it here; or you can fill one out here if you prefer during the check in process.
Our goal, as always, is to provide the best in Veterinary medical care to help your pet have the longest and healthiest life possible.