Vaccinations

A vaccination is the administration of materials to a person or animal’s body to prevent them from getting a certain disease. The material given in a vaccine is a weakened or dead form of the bacteria or virus itself.
 
Some vaccines also contain proteins. Vaccines have been used for many years to prevent the spread of disease. The first disease vaccines were used to prevent was smallpox.

Vaccines work by inducing an immune response to the weakened or dead cells in the vaccine. Vaccines improve the health of both humans and animals and in some cases can prevent diseases altogether. Children are often required to get vaccinated before beginning school. Animals are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies, and many animal hospitals or other animal facilities require certain proof of certain vaccinations for dogs and cats.

In this section, we’ll discuss all aspects of vaccinations, including how vaccinations work, whether re-vaccination is necessary, risks and benefits associated with vaccination, effectiveness of vaccinations, do-it-yourself vaccinations, vaccines for puppies, vaccines for kittens, common canine health problems and common feline health problems.

Vaccinations for Puppies

Puppies need a number of vaccinations when they are young to prevent them from getting diseases. These vaccinations often need to be administered again after one year or more.
 
Some vaccines last up to three years. Puppies usually get vaccinations at their check-up appointments. A veterinarian can provide a complete list of vaccinations for puppies.

Revaccinations

In many cases, vaccines do not last for a lifetime and must be administered again. This is sometimes referred to as a vaccine "booster." Humans may need revaccinations a few times throughout their lives. Most people are given certain vaccines during infancy and certain vaccines at the beginning of elementary school and college.
 
Cats and dogs may need revaccinations more often. Certain vaccines, such as rabies, are required annually. However, other vaccines can be done every three years. A doctor or veterinarian can give patients more information about revaccinations.

Risks vs. Benefits

Vaccines carry a few risks along with the benefits they provide. While vaccines can prevent very dangerous diseases and infections, some researchers believe that vaccines can cause infections when administered in the same place over and over. This is more of a problem with animals, who generally receive vaccinations at the same site.
 
Additionally, in rare cases, people who are vaccinated come down with a mild case of the disease for which they are being vaccinated. Generally the risks of getting vaccines are mild. Also, many vaccines are required by law. Before giving a vaccine to your pet, it’s important to weight the risks vs. benefits.

Do-It-Yourself Vaccinations

In some cases, do-it-yourself vaccinations can be an option. This is convenient for people who don’t wish or need to visit the veterinarian to administer a vaccine.

However, some people prefer to have a veterinarian administer a vaccine. Specific instructions from a veterinarian and a great deal of care are required with do-it-yourself vaccinations.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007). Vaccines and Immunizations. Retrieved October 25, 2007, from the CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.