Five Myths About Pet Vaccinations

Pet vaccinations are a vital part of your pet's health. If you have concerns about vaccinating, dispelling some common myths might set your mind at ease.

Myth 1: Vaccines Don't Help Unvaccinated Animals

If enough pets are vaccinated, then those that aren't will actually realize some of the benefits due to herd immunity. Disease is less likely to be rampant in a population if the majority are unable to contract the disease. This isn't a reason to skip vaccinating your pet, though, but is instead a reason why you should. By vaccinating, you are contributing to the immunity of the population. This in turn protects pets that are too young to have completed their vaccinations or those that have an illness that prevents them from being vaccinated.

Myth 2: Vets Get Kick Backs From Vaccine Manufacturers

For most pet vaccines on the market, there are only one or two manufacturers that even make the vaccine. Since they have the market cornered, there is no need for them to encourage a vet to administer their specific vaccine over any other. Veterinary ethics also means that unnecessary treatments aren't going to be pushed simply so the vet can get a kick back.

Myth 3: Pets Are Being Over-Vaccinated

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the body that determines what the current recommended vaccine standard is for pets. These standards are reviewed often and updated as necessary. As long as you choose a vet that follows AAHA standards, then your pet is not being over-vaccinated. Keep in mind there are two vaccine standards. The core vaccines are those recommended for all animals. Non-core vaccines are other vaccines that are available but that not all pets need. For example, outdoor cats may need to be vaccinated against diseases that indoor cats won't be exposed to, so an indoor cat will be recommended fewer vaccines than one that spends time outside.

Myth 4: Adult Animals Don't Need Vaccines

Puppies and kittens receive more vaccines, and they receive them more often because their initial immunity must be built up. Yet, once the puppy or kitten course is finished, it doesn't mean your pet never needs another vaccination. Booster shots are needed to maintain immunity to several diseases. As a general rule, most adult animals booster shots are given on a three-year rotation, but there are some exceptions that may be required more frequently.

Myth 5: Vaccines Make Animals Sick

An animal may have some minor side effects, such as lethargy or slight nausea, for the 24 hours following certain vaccinations, but these side effects clear quickly. Like any medical treatment, there is always the chance for extremely rare side effects, which is why you need to monitor your pet following the vaccinations. These side effects don't occur often and they are rarely fatal if you seek medical treatment.

Contact an animal hospital in your area to schedule your pet's vaccinations today.