Answers to Your Pet Vaccination Questions

At Rainier Veterinary Hospital, we strongly encourage vaccinations for all puppies and kittens as well as annual vaccines for adult pets. Still, we frequently are asked by pet owners about vaccinations—if they’re truly necessary, if there are risks to getting them, and which vaccines, if any, pets should receive. Let’s address the most common pet vaccination questions that we hear.

Why do puppies and kittens need so many vaccines?

The fact is that babies do not have mature immune systems, and they take in antibodies from their mother’s milk. These antibodies can wear off at any time, leaving the puppies and kittens unprotected. In addition, these antibodies can block our vaccines before they wear off. So, by vaccinating at regular intervals during the 8- to 16-week-of-age time period, we can best protect puppies and kittens and help them to develop strong immune systems.

Why do adult dogs still need to receive vaccines?

Vaccines in the United States are licensed based on the minimum duration of immunity they provide. In other words, the timeframe shown in tests protects 80% of animals. Some are licensed to be given annually and others every three years. Beyond that timeframe, we cannot ensure immunity from disease.

Which vaccines should I get for my pet?

Talk to your vet about your pet’s lifestyle and possible exposure as well as what diseases are common in the area. “Core” vaccines are recommended for every pet (even indoor-only pets) and “non-core” vaccines are based on risk. Even indoor pets should get the “core” rabies vaccine because the consequences of rabies exposure, which can happen indoors, is so severe. Plus, the legal consequences if your pet were to bite someone are different for vaccinated pets.

What is the difference between a Live, Killed, and Recombinant vaccine?

A vaccine against a viral disease is meant to stimulate the pet’s immune system in a way that mimics the natural infection but without causing the illness. A live vaccine will stimulate the immune system better, and it has been modified so that the actual disease does not result. A killed vaccine doesn’t provide as much immune stimulation but can never cause disease; therefore, killed vaccines are the appropriate choice for very deadly diseases, like rabies. However, adjuvants need to be added to killed vaccines to ensure that they still stimulate the immune system, and these adjuvants can cause vaccine reactions for the patient. A recombinant vaccine is the newest technology, which places the virus’s DNA into a harmless vector. This process allows for stimulating good immunity while avoiding vaccine reactions as much as possible.

Can over-vaccination cause diseases?

No, there has been no clear evidence that vaccinations done on the current recommended schedules increase the incidence of any health problems. Because some vaccines have been shown to be effective for three years, we have adjusted our recommended schedules. Vaccinating annually for these is not harmful, just unnecessary.

What is expected after vaccination?

After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to have some muscle tenderness or itching at the site. Your pet may also be lethargic or run a mild fever for 1 to 2 days.

What is a vaccine reaction?

A vaccine reaction is when your pet has an allergic reaction to something in the vaccine. Most of the time, this occurs the same day that the vaccine is given, but it could be delayed over the span of 48 hours. Vaccine reactions manifest as hives, facial swelling, or vomiting. More severe reactions are extremely rare but could manifest as shock or anaphylaxis. We vaccinate pets because the risk of them contracting the disease is much more likely than the possibility of a vaccine reaction.

One in 5,000 to 10,000 cats (0.01%–0.02% of cats) could potentially develop sarcomas (a type of tumor) at the site of any injection, including vaccinations. This development is due to an underlying genetic predisposition in that cat, and it is extremely rare. To reduce the risk of this being an issue, Rainier Veterinary Hospital carries the types of vaccines that are least likely to induce inflammation.

What can I do to reduce the risk of a vaccine reaction?

Talk to us about medication that can be given prior to vaccinations as well as about separating out your pet’s vaccines so they are not all given at once. Monitor your pet afterward or ask us to observe your pet for you.

Remember, we have your pet’s and your family’s safety and well-being in mind, and vaccination is at the core of disease prevention. We make sure to stay up to date on the latest recommended protocols to keep your pet healthy!