Vaccination Regimes for Dogs and Cats

Introduction

Since the 1950's, a large number of vaccines for dogs and cats have been developed and marketed worldwide, and more are in development. Nevertheless, it is estimated that in developed countries, only 30-50% of dogs are properly immunized, and possibly an even smaller proportion of cats. Proper immunization of a larger proportion of the pet population may help reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases.

In recent years, increased emphasis has been placed on vaccine safety for companion animals. A change from annual to 3-yearly immunization protocols for some vaccines has been recommended, with administration of other vaccines based on exposure risk. Guidelines for vaccine selection and administration have now been published by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) (1-4). Although there is some variation in the guidelines issued by the different societies, they can, together with a solid understanding of the principles of vaccination, help veterinarians make rational decisions about vaccination. This article will both review the major principles of vaccination and provide regimens for vaccination of pet dogs and cats for infectious diseases for which vaccines are widely available worldwide. Specific guidelines for shelter animals are now also provided by the WSAVA (4). [...]

Key Points

• Vaccines vary in their composition and ability to produce good immunity.
• Vaccines should be stored and administered according to product recommendations. Failure to do so can lead to ineffective immunization.
• Vaccines rarely protect all individuals that receive it from infection and disease. A large number of factors influence the production of an immuneresponse.
• The clinician should be aware of the uses and limitations of antibody assays when assessing the immunization status of an animal.