Vaccination Schedule

Not every vaccine will last for a lifetime. Many vaccines need to be given more than once to be completely effective.
 
Many vaccines for dogs and cats are recommended yearly, while others may last up to three years before needing a follow-up vaccine. In people, vaccination is required at certain ages in most cases. Children receive certain vaccines during infancy, certain vaccines before beginning elementary school and certain vaccines before entering college.
 
People may also need vaccines if they are exposed to certain diseases or elements. A person who is bitten by a wild animal may need a series of rabies vaccinations, while a person who steps on a rusty nail may need a tetanus vaccine. People traveling to certain foreign countries may also need to be revaccinated for diseases that are prevalent overseas.

Revaccination for People

A number of children under age 2 are not properly vaccinated and revaccinated. This can occur for a number of reasons.

Vaccines for children require around five doctor visits within a short period of time. Almost every vaccine required for children is required to be given in a series. Revaccination may also be needed when a child is a few years older, before entering school. Second, the cost of vaccines may pose a problem for some people.

The following are the recommended vaccines for children, and how many revaccinations, or boosters, are required:

Vaccine

Required Doses

Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b)

Three or four before a child is 12 to 18 months old

DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)

Four, given when a child is 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15 to 18 months old; booster at 4 to 6 years old

Hepatitis B

Three before a child is 15 months old

Polio

Two doses

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

Two doses – one at 12 to 15 months old and one at 4 to 6 years old

Chicken pox

One dose for a child between the ages of 12 months and 12 years old

 
While this may seem excessive, many parents simply don’t understand how dangerous some of these diseases can be. Many are life-threatening and can affect young children far worse than they would an adult. Revaccination and keeping up with booster shots is extremely important for your child.

Cat Vaccinations

Revaccination requirements for cats will depend largely on the area you live in, whether or not the cat will be allowed outside and whether or not the cat will frequently come into contact with other animals.

For most cats, four core vaccinations are recommended. Core vaccinations are for extremely common or very dangerous diseases that affect cats. These are:

  • feline calicivirus
  • feline leukemia
  • feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpes)
  • rabies.

Some people prefer to get their cats revaccinated for these diseases every year, while others may wait a few years in between vaccinations. Research suggests that many vaccines can be effective for up to three years. However, if your pet is particularly at risk for a disease, vaccinating more often is recommended. Talk to your vet about how often to revaccinate your cat.

Kittens will need a series of shots for the vaccines to become effective.

Dog Vaccinations

Revaccination requirements for dogs are similar to requirements for cats. A few vaccinations are recommended regularly for all dogs, while other dogs may benefit from more vaccines if they are at risk for those diseases. If your dog is allowed to roam over large areas or will come into contact with other dogs often, vaccinating yearly may be necessary.

For dogs, there are three core vaccinations:

  • distemper
  • parvovirus
  • rabies.

Rabies vaccines are required by law yearly, though other vaccines can last a few years before needing a booster. Puppies will need a series of revaccination shots for their vaccines to become effective. Talk to your vet about how often to vaccinate your dog and which vaccinations are necessary for your dog.

Resources

Canis Major (2007). Vaccination: Shield against canine diseases. Retrieved November 7, 2007, from the Canis Major Web site: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/vaccine.html.

Cat Vaccines (2007). Feline Vaccination Guidelines. Retrieved November 7, 2007, from the Cat Vaccines Web site: http://www.catvaccines.com/feline_vaccination_guidelines.htm.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (1999). Kids’ Vaccinations. Retrieved November 7, 2007, from the FDA Web site: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/reprints/vaccine.html.