Dog - Vaccination Boosters

Vaccination of both our children and our pets has been under the spotlight in recent years. Recently the Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has produced vaccination suggestions for our pets. The aim broadly is to vaccinate as many dogs as possible but to vaccinate each individual less frequently than in the past. The VGG has divided vaccines into two groups:-

1. Core vaccines are those that protect against severe, life threatening diseases. In the case of dogs these are distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus, which is canine hepatitis (CAV) and canine parvovirus (CPV). Rabies vaccine is included in those countries where the virus is rife and is if the dog is to enter or re-enter the UK under the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS).
2. Non core vaccines are those that are considered necessary if there is a particular risk and in this category the most common vaccines are those for kennel cough and leptospirosis (kidney disease).

Recent work has shown that if a puppy receives solid immunity from primary vaccination against the core diseases, boosters will not be required for approximately three years whereas with non core diseases and in particular kennel cough, immunity is likely to wane after 6-8 months and in situations of increased risk e.g. kennelling, booster vaccination is necessary.

Does this mean that annual boosters are no longer necessary?

Recent work has shown that the core vaccines, distemper, hardpad and parvovirus, do not normally need to be repeated on an annual basis. However booster vaccination against these core diseases may be required if you are going to board your dog, simply because the kennels’ boarding licence insists upon it. Similarly if the dog is travelling abroad some countries insist on an annual revaccination despite manufacturers’ recommendations of three yearly vaccinations.

What about the non core diseases?

As mentioned above, Bordetella vaccination against the bacteria responsible for kennel cough needs frequent boosting, probably less than 12 months whereas Parainfluenza virus, another organism associated with kennel cough, usually requires annual boosting.

Is this not more confusing than just having an annual booster to cover all the diseases?

From the point of view of your dog’s welfare, we suggest the annual visit to us should be maintained but will take the form of a health check and at that time we will discuss vaccine requirements. This will be based upon a risks/benefit assessment for your dog. If you regularly board your dog the suggestion will be that kennel cough vaccine is repeated at least annually if not more frequently. At the same time an assessment of the other vaccine requirements will be discussed.

Why is this change in vaccination policy recommended?

Mainly because of the concern that has been raised regarding over vaccination and the possibility of adverse effects.

Do adverse effects actually occur in dogs?

Recent published work shows that suspected adverse reactions (SARS) amount to no more than 38 per 10,000. It should be added that most of these are very mild and may involve minimal swelling or itching at the injection site which will respond quickly to treatment or resolve spontaneously.

Have there been any other changes in vaccine recommendations?

It is important to bear in mind that if annual boosters for core vaccines are not going to be administered, it is essential that puppies are fully protected with the primary vaccination course. In consequence it is recommended that puppies should be vaccinated at 8 and 12 weeks (and even younger if in an environment of increased risk, e.g. rescue kennels etc.) and that a further booster is given around 16 weeks followed by a final booster of core vaccines one year later. Then the recommendation is that the distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus components need only be administered every two to three years.