Vaccinations

[cowanbree]

I have just taken my 8 week old puppies into the vet for their first vaccinations and the vet tells me that the protocols have changed. For a number of years now I have always done 8 weeks and then 12 weeks with the next vac 12mths later. He now wants me to do 8, 11 and 14 weeks. It is the same vaccine as before and the same vet so I don't really understand what has changed. I did question him and he told me 5% will still carry some immunity from their dams until at least 13 weeks which would leave them unvaccinated if they were done at 12 weeks

What is everyone else doing and if possible what vaccine are you using?

[WreckitWhippet]

C3 at 8 plus and 12 plus weeks.

My vet is signing off on those and the next vacc date being around the 15 months.

[Christina]

C3 at 8 plus and 12 plus weeks.

My vet is signing off on those and the next vacc date being around the 15 months.

Was as above but new vaccine out now.

One single vaccine at 10 weeks & that's it for 12 months.

Can't see the need for the protocol change. Needs the money ?

Maybe phone a few other vets, play dumb & ask.

[WreckitWhippet]

Nope. I'm still using the same old C3

[*Lolapalooza*]

My repro vet says 6 weeks C3 and then 10 weeks 2nd vacc as this is some new protocol (somewhere?! ) so then the puppies are ok to be socialised earlier. This was news to me as I have always had 6 weeks then 12 .

[becks]

That sounds like the brand used over here for the guide dog puppies, my vets also offer this brand and another brand that is done at 8 and 11 weeks. Both brands over ride the dams immunity.

[espinay2]

What he is likely referring to is the new AVA policy for vaccines which was introduced in

June last year: AVA Vaccination Policy

This policy states the following:

Because of maternally derived antibody and the variability in its level and duration between

individuals, vaccines should ideally be administered two to three times to puppies and kittens,

with timing of the final dose being variable but not earlier than the age of 16 weeks (the

suggested age varies with the manufacturer and the vaccine). If cost is an issue and only one

vaccine is possible, it should be at the age of 16 weeks or older.

A booster vaccine should be administered approximately 12 months later.

The protocol is based on that recommended by the Vaccine Guidelines Group of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association: WSAVA Guidelines for vaccination of dogs and cats

This protocol states the following (more info is in the document):

The recommendation of the VGG is for initial vaccination at 8 to 9 weeks of age followed by a second vaccination 3 to 4 weeks later, and a third vaccination given between 14 to 16 weeks of age. By contrast, at present many vaccine data sheets recommend an initial course of two injections. Some products are also licensed with a ‘10 week finish’ designed such that the second of two vaccinations is given at 10 weeks of age. The rationale behind this protocol is to permit ‘early socialisation’ of pups. The VGG recognises that this is of great benefit to the behavioural development of dogs.Where such protocols are adopted, great caution should still be maintained by the owner – allowing restricted exposure of the pup to controlled areas and only to other pups that are healthy and fully vaccinated

And also:

26. I know that maternally derived antibodies (MDA) can prevent active immunisation with MLV vaccines - but can they also

block immunity to killed vaccines?

Yes - MDA can indeed block certain killed vaccines. If the killed product requires two doses, as is often the case, and the first dose is

blocked by MDA, then the second dose will not immunise. In this circumstance, the second dose will prime (if not blocked), and

a third dose is required to boost and immunise.

This is not true for MLV, where - in the absence of MDA - it only takes a single dose to prime, immunise, and boost. Nevertheless

two doses are often recommended, particularly in young animals, to be sure one is given when MDA cannot block. That is why in the

puppy or kitten series, the last dose should be given at around 16 weeks of age or later.

27. I have been told that certain canine MLV combination core products need only be given twice, with the last dose at an age

as young as 10 weeks. Is that accurate?

The VGG is aware that certain canine vaccines are licensed for such an ‘early finish’ in order to allow pups the benefit of early

socialisation. The VGG accepts the behavioural benefits of this practice but has reservations about its immunological validity. No

combination core product currently available will immunise an acceptable percentage of puppies when the last dose is given at 10

weeks of age. The VGGadvises that wherever possible the last dose should be given at around 16 weeks of age, regardless of the number

of doses given earlier. Where the ‘early finish’ protocol is adopted, the VGG recommends that owners carefully control the exposure of

their pup to restricted environments and only permit contact with healthy and fully vaccinated puppies.

Edited December 3, 2010 by espinay2

[nvdane]

Was just speaking to one of the Vets we use regarding this as our puppies are due for their 1st injection on the 23rd December.

Response from them is:-

C3 at 6 - 8 weeks

C5 at 12 weeks

Booster/Kennel Cough at 16 weeks....

For our adult Danes, we'll be doing the 3 year injection from now on as it is $90 ($30 a year) instead of $80 for the annual C5 vaccine.

[oakway]

I personally follow what I was told to do and that is .................NO puppy should be vaccinated under 8 Weeks of age.

Puppies should be weaned from their mother at 6 weeks. Thus giving 2 full weeks for their immunity to dip low so their systems can

accept the vaccine. If the puppies systems reject the vaccine it is usually because the have still been receiving their mothers immunity.

I have not bred a litter for about 2 years now so the new Nobivac vaccine that can given at 10 weeks should be available.

Only 1 vaccine to be given then another at approximately 1 year.

If you wish to Titre test and the dog's system has accepted the vaccine there is no need to vaccinate the dog again.

If the dog shows antibodies in the system they are there for life.

[BRUVIC]

ANKC needs to catch up to the new suggested protocol to alter their rules and regs on this. Perhaps it's in progress?

[oakway]

ANKC needs to catch up to the new suggested protocol to alter their rules and regs on this. Perhaps it's in progress?

Not only do the ANKC need to catch up so do the State Bodies and so many of the Obedience and Dog Sports Clubs for a starter.

[cowanbree]

I rang my vet back and discussed it. He still stands by the need for 3 vacs but I have told him I will only be doing 2. The one that had at 8 weeks and the final at around 14 weeks. Given they have been completely weaned since 6 weeks and were vacinated with Nobivac DHP I suspect even that is over the top

[Paptacular!]

I will be following the 8 and 12 week protocol.

[oakway]

I rang my vet back and discussed it. He still stands by the need for 3 vacs but I have told him I will only be doing 2. The one that had at 8 weeks and the final at around 14 weeks. Given they have been completely weaned since 6 weeks and were vacinated with Nobivac DHP I suspect even that is over the top

That sounds pretty good to me.

Glad you stood your ground with the vet.

We all only do what we believe is best for our pups.