How do vaccines work?
Vaccines contain small quantities of "killed" viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate your pet's immune system to produce disease-fighting cells and proteins called antibodies, to protect your pet against disease.
How effective is vaccination?
Like any drug, treatment, or surgical procedure, vaccinations cannot be 100% guaranteed. However, used in conjunction
with proper nutrition and acceptable sanitary conditions, vaccination is clearly your pet's best defense against disease. Plus, when you consider what treating a serious illness can cost you and your
beloved pet in terms of both money and distress, prevention through vaccination is definitely the better choice.
When should my pet be vaccinated?
The immunity that a pet has at birth begins to diminish sometime between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Initial vaccines should be started around 6 to 8 weeks of age and are repeated every 3-4 weeks until your pet is 16 weeks old. For pets that start their vaccine series between 16 weeks and 6 months old, it is recommended that they receive their initial vaccine and then a booster vaccine 3-4 weeks later. Thereafter, your pet will require repeat vaccinations at regular yearly intervals for the rest of their life.
*Please note: Vaccines given to a puppy or kitten prior to 6 weeks of age are completely INEFFECTIVE.
Which vaccines should my pet receive?
At Flushing Animal Hospital, we believe that your pet should be protected against those diseases which are most common, highly contagious, and which cause serious illness. Diseases other than those listed below may be recommended based on our evaluation of the risks posed by such factors as your pet's particular heredity, environment, and lifestyle.
Rabies vaccine is essential for both cats and dogs, but is only required for dogs. Rabies is untreatable and incurable, making it extremely important to protect your pet from the disease.
Canine Influenza Vaccination:
This vaccine is recommended for dogs that are exposed to other dogs frequently. Canine Influenza is highly contagious and has become much more prevalent in the recent years. The canine influenza vaccine is given in a series of 2 shots. After the first initial vaccine is given, your pet will need to return in 3 - 4 weeks for their second booster before they are fully protected. This vaccine should be updated annually.
Canine Bordetella Vaccinaion:
This vaccine is recommended for dogs who board regularly, visit the groomer, are around other dogs a lot, and who visit the pet store. This protects them from catching "kennel cough." This vaccine should be updated anually.
Canine Lyme Vaccination:
This vaccination is primarily intended for dogs who are more "outdoorsy." If your pet lives in wooded areas, or visits them frequently, or travels to the south where it is warmer, it is recommended. Lymes is a disease that is transmitted by ticks. This vaccine should be updated annually.
Canine Distemper Combination Vaccine:
This vaccine is recommended for all dogs, indoor and outdoor, big and small. Wildlife such as rats and deer carry leptospirosis, so dogs living in wooded areas are at greater risk. This vaccine protects against Distemper, Parvovirus, Infectious Hepatitis, Leptosirosis, and Parainfluenza. This vaccine is available without the Leptospirosis portion for those dogs who have vaccine reactions. This vaccine should be updated annually.
Feline Distemper Combination Vaccination:
This combination vaccination is recommended for both indoor and outdoor cats. Just one accidental trip to the outdoors can put them at risk of catching one of the highly contagious diseases that this vaccination protects against. This vaccine should be updated annually.
Feline Leukemia Vaccination:
This vaccine is highly recommended for cats who go outdoors, even if it is only every once in a while, as well as indoor cats, or cats that have contact with cats that go outdoors. If there is absolutely NO CHANCE that your pet will run out your door, this vaccine may be avoidable (at your own risk). This disease is HIGHLY contagious, and not treatable long term. This vaccine should be updated annually.