Modern vaccine technology has permitted us to protect companion animals effectively against serious infectious diseases. However, the challenge to produce effective and safe vaccines for the prevalent infectious diseases of animals has become increasingly difficult. In veterinary medicine, evidence implicating vaccines in triggering immune-mediated and other chronic disorders (vaccinosis) is compelling. While some of these problems have been traced to contaminated or poorly attenuated batches of vaccine that revert to virulence, others apparently reflect the host’s genetic predisposition to react adversely upon receiving the single (monovalent) or multiple antigen “combo” (polyvalent) products given routinely to animals. Animals of certain susceptible breeds or families appear to be at increased risk for severe and lingering adverse reactions to vaccines. Also see www.rabieschallengefund.org, the parallel clinical research studies to determine that rabies vaccines last for at least 5 years and perhaps longer. The studies are now in year 7 and a summary of the results of the 5-year study can be found on the website. Despite this cumulative knowledge, even today, estimates are that only about 40% of veterinarians are following the current WSAVA, AVMA, AAHA and BVA vaccine policy guidelines. There is no such thing as an ‘up to date’ or ‘due’ vaccination. Enlightened veterinarians can now offer a package of separated vaccine components, when available, rather than give them all together, since the published data show more adverse reactions when multiple vaccines are administered at the same time. Learning Objectives: 10 TOP FACTS on VACCINES “Core” vaccines important for puppies and kittens Other vaccines optional depending on location and lifestyle Annual boosters not required and usually unnecessary/unwise Vaccination may not equate to immunization; check serum titers to validate Long-term protection from canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus; feline panleukopenia Measure serum antibody (vaccine titers) instead annually or triennally Give thimerosal (mercury)-free rabies vaccines; and as late as allowed (20-24 weeks) Booster vaccinations only legally required for rabies Half-dose “core” vaccines sufficient to protect small toy dogs Recognize vaccine adverse events; genetic predisposition. Don’t breed; avoid re-vaccination

Sponsor:Pet Professional Guild
Speaker(s):Dr. Jean Dodds DVM

Contact: Sharon Nettles
 Email: membershipcoordinator@petprofessionalguild.com
 Phone: 731-432-3688
 Web: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-3168485