Vaccinations

[chas2008]

why is it when humans are vaccinated it lasts usually for life or certainly many years yet my horse,dog & cats have to be done every year ??

[paddywak]

Not all human vaccinations last for life,Tetanus for example used to be boosted every 5yrs ( I think they have now amended this to 10yrs) Flu is a yearly jab and some years ago I was travelling in India and had to have a several vaccinations renewed including Polio which I had as a child. No doubt one of our more knowledgable members will be able to give you a more detailed explanation

[chas2008]

you have hit on the head with tetanus, 5 yearly humans, every year horses..

[Lil'Lucy]

I think it is due to the fact that 1 year to us of life - it not the equivalent of 1 year to an animal. In terms of their metabolism and immunity 1 year to us is actually a lot a longer. I had my dog blood tested for a few years to see if he actually "needed" vaccination. The results showed that whilst he was still protected against some disease, he wasn't against others (even at 1 year later after his booster!) So he ended up having to have all his vaccinations anyway! Very expensive way of showing that he did indeed need his yearly vaccinations!!

[didgerydo]

I think that it depends where you live. British vets recommend annual boosters. However research in America contradicts the need for yearly vaccines and actually suggests that vaccinations given the following year is actually neutralized by the previous vaccine, so actually has no effect. And also that repeated vaccinations can actually be harmful due to the potential risk of allergic reactions. In fact it is is suggested that vaccinations in puppyhood (given at 8 and then 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age WILL provide LIFELONG immunity.

I have kept dogs and cats for years; have never continued vaccinating in later adulthood due to my belief that it is not neccessary, as like you suggest is not neccessary in humans so should not be with animals Not one of my animals suffered any illness due to lack of vaccination! Personally (and once again state it is my own opinion) I think the fact that drug companies/vets make money from vaccinating plays a big part in owners being urged to comply.

[chas2008]

i agree with you 'digerydo', but there is the got you by the wotsits issue, stables wont accept horses without tetanus vaccinations and the dog kennels wont accept the dog with up to date shots.

[Schutzengel]

Catteries also won't accept cats without full vaccination certificates. Not too sure about the wisdom of not keeping up vaccinations on elderly cats. My 13yr old cat had been kept up to date with her vaccinations, but still contracted 'cat flu', and was desperately ill. She did however survive after being put on a drip and medication. The vet commented that had she not been up to date with the vaccination she would not have survived 24 hours. It appears that the vaccination against 'cat flu' is very good but not 100% perfect, but it does give the cat a fighting chance of survival with swift veterinary intervention.