Latest Recommended Vaccination Schedule

[jrm88]

Definately agree with you stormie. I consider myself to be a nurse that is quite open minded and knowledgable yet I have met some nurses that cant even identify what I would consider to be an identifiable breed (e.g. Lhasa Apso, Saluki) and just dont seem to care too much!

I am now going to do some reading on titre testing

[Sandra777]

These posts about the 'kids on the front desk' really upset me. Not because I'm offended, but because I think it's sad that these nurses/receptionists give the rest of us a bad name.

I wish someone would call us up and inquire about 3-yearlies or titre testing! Maybe then my boss would listen to me and start doing it

Post your clinic's number and we can all phone up for you :D

I just find it amazing that the vet schools in the USA are teaching the three year protocol as standard now but the Australian Vet Association isn't picking it up.

I've met some great vet nurses over the years, it just so happens that not many of them are the first point of contact in the larger clinics - which is a shame IMO, but understandable - you trained to be a vet nurse not a receptionist

[OSoSwift]

These posts about the 'kids on the front desk' really upset me. Not because I'm offended, but because I think it's sad that these nurses/receptionists give the rest of us a bad name.

I wish someone would call us up and inquire about 3-yearlies or titre testing! Maybe then my boss would listen to me and start doing it

Post your clinic's number and we can all phone up for you :D

I just find it amazing that the vet schools in the USA are teaching the three year protocol as standard now but the Australian Vet Association isn't picking it up.

I've met some great vet nurses over the years, it just so happens that not many of them are the first point of contact in the larger clinics - which is a shame IMO, but understandable - you trained to be a vet nurse not a receptionist

It saddens me as well. I worked as a receptionst/nurse for over 14 years. I prided myself on being up to date on current events/products. My bosses regularly handed over their medical journals for me to read. One a couple of occasions my need for knowledge meant that I actually was able to give the vets the info on CL in a Border Collie as they had never seen it before and I had been reading about the signs symptoms and ages it occured and I had seen it once at a different vet hosp. I went to the relevant area on the net, printed off the info and the people to contact for testing and that is what it was. Also happened with a Tetanus case once as well. When I left to have my kids my boss did tell me I was irreplacable - that made me feel really good. He tried for 12 months to convince me to go back to work.

I would hate to think that people would have thought of me as unknowledgable or closed minded.

I really hope that these places get some better staff!

When I rang mine, they said they can get the vacc, but didn't have it instock, so could I give them a weeks notice and they said they could titre test but hadn't been asked to do it as yet. Ours go straight to Vetpath.

Edited July 30, 2009 by rommimum

[Jed]

I think many of our Aussie vets are still way behind the times. A few weeks ago I rang around to find out about titre testing for dogs who aren't vaccinated yearly. Most of them hadn't even heard of it and couldn't believe that I didn't want to vaccinate yearly. One receptionist told me that she'd heard about it and said it was an internet hoax, and that there was actually no research about it! Sheeesh!

Just got to ask yellowgirl - when you "ring around" do you speak to the vet or to the underpaid kid on the front desk? I think you might find that if you actually spoke to the vets in the practice you would get a whole different story than you get from the girl on the phone (I know I do!)

ETA: Gotta wonder about the internet hoax thing though!

When the MDBA hosted Dr. Dodd's seminars in Australia, I phoned around to gauge support from vets. I only spoke to veterinrians, and the result was 90% totally uninterested. They were not interested in doing anything except annual vacs, and most of those with whom I spoke hadn't heard about "new" vaccination protocols,(since 1998 in North America, wasn't it?) and were appalled that there was some possibility that dogs (and cats) might not be having annual vacs. And they didn;t want to go with it, so whomever Yellow girl spoke to gave her similar responses to those I received.

This was raised at an AVA conference some years, but there was no resolution. The AVA was again asked earlier this year if they intended changing the vaccination protocol. The response was that they were "looking into it"

*sigh*

[Staff'n'Toller]

Learned Vet Nurses are sighing along with you Jed.

[Missymoo]

Great article

[oakway]

I think many of our Aussie vets are still way behind the times. A few weeks ago I rang around to find out about titre testing for dogs who aren't vaccinated yearly. Most of them hadn't even heard of it and couldn't believe that I didn't want to vaccinate yearly. One receptionist told me that she'd heard about it and said it was an internet hoax, and that there was actually no research about it! Sheeesh!

Just got to ask yellowgirl - when you "ring around" do you speak to the vet or to the underpaid kid on the front desk? I think you might find that if you actually spoke to the vets in the practice you would get a whole different story than you get from the girl on the phone (I know I do!)

ETA: Gotta wonder about the internet hoax thing though!

When the MDBA hosted Dr. Dodd's seminars in Australia, I phoned around to gauge support from vets. I only spoke to veterinrians, and the result was 90% totally uninterested. They were not interested in doing anything except annual vacs, and most of those with whom I spoke hadn't heard about "new" vaccination protocols,(since 1998 in North America, wasn't it?) and were appalled that there was some possibility that dogs (and cats) might not be having annual vacs. And they didn;t want to go with it, so whomever Yellow girl spoke to gave her similar responses to those I received.

This was raised at an AVA conference some years, but there was no resolution. The AVA was again asked earlier this year if they intended changing the vaccination protocol. The response was that they were "looking into it"

*sigh*

Sad isn't it. The attitude of some of the Veterinary Practitioners leaves a lot to be desired.

It also leaves one with the attitude that some Vets are less honorable than others and the desire for dollars can in some cases be more important than the animals health.

[Staranais]

Staranais I think you are right regarding the manufacturers. Whilst they still say their vaccines should be given annually, that's what vets are likely to do. Particularly the older vets who were around before the days of parvo vaccines and saw how bad things used to be, I think there will be some reluctance for them to want to change the protocol and risk things going back to how it once was.

My current boss is quite unsure about it. Some might call him narrow minded and say he doesn't keep with the times, but really, we don't get sent any information about the new protocol, and the specialist centers/uni's aren't putting on any seminars about it, so we don't really get any scientific reports on it at all. He's not the sort to look something up on the internet either - he wants cold hard facts from reliable sources too, before in his view, he risks his patients lives on something he hasn't got any information about.

That's fair enough, Stormie, it makes a lot of sense for vets that have seen horrible parvo outbreaks in the past would be a lot more cautious than newer vets (or members of the public) that have not actually experienced a parvo outbreak first hand. Like you, I have talked to vets that want nothing to do with anything that they think could possibly result in seeing more parvo cases. And a lot of the anti-vaccination information available on the internet is biased, misleading or just plain incorrect - I'd never suggest a vet (or anyone else, for that matter) decide on their vaccine protocols based merely on internet information!

But on the other hand, lots of good, robust studies on vaccine duration of immunity are out there in the scientific journals. It takes a bit of time and effort to dig it up, plus probably a trip to the local university library to access the journals, but it's possible for anyone to find and assess the evidence for themselves and make a true informed decision (either for or against annual vaccinations), instead of just sitting back waiting to be spoon fed information by the manufacturers as many vets seem content to do.

Edited July 31, 2009 by Staranais

[Jed]

I discussed vac protocols some years ago with a vet I know. His reaction was that if he went with 3 yearly vac, or none after the 3rd, and the dog contracted a virus, he could be legally liable because he hadn't followed the manufacturers protocol, or other guidelines. There was mention of dogs having reactions to vac or developing lymphoma etc, and he said there was no proof, and he would rather go with the "accepted" protocol, where there was no chance he could be sued than do something new and be sued - his odds were better if he stuck to the protocols.

I understand that,

However, there is now a body of evidence that annual vac can cause harm, and the world small animal vets are against, so I have to wonder whether someone will soon sue a vet or the manufacturer for overvaccinating.

I have seen a few cases of AIHA, lymphoma, seizures, ketoneacidoses etc which one would have to consider were produced by the vaccines so I think it is only a matter of time.

[oakway]

I discussed vac protocols some years ago with a vet I know. His reaction was that if he went with 3 yearly vac, or none after the 3rd, and the dog contracted a virus, he could be legally liable because he hadn't followed the manufacturers protocol, or other guidelines. There was mention of dogs having reactions to vac or developing lymphoma etc, and he said there was no proof, and he would rather go with the "accepted" protocol, where there was no chance he could be sued than do something new and be sued - his odds were better if he stuck to the protocols.

I understand that,

However, there is now a body of evidence that annual vac can cause harm, and the world small animal vets are against, so I have to wonder whether someone will soon sue a vet or the manufacturer for overvaccinating.

I have seen a few cases of AIHA, lymphoma, seizures, ketoneacidoses etc which one would have to consider were produced by the vaccines so I think it is only a matter of time.

Well if people do they won't be the first.

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&...dge&spell=1

[puggy_puggy]

How does the new vaccination routine thinking affect breeders now? In terms of the thoughts that pups should not be given their first vaccination untill they are at least 8 weeks old or older. Will/do breeders keep pups till they are older and have have that first vaccination or let them go at 8 weeks still and trust their new owners to follow the correct vaccination proticol?

Parvo has swept through the Victorian pounds in the last few months apparently.

[OSoSwift]

Surely if there is a 3 year vaccination marketed as such, then the research has been done and proven?? Therefore the only person able to be sued who be the company producing and labeling the vaccine as a 3 year vaccination not the vet going by the manufactorers labelling??

[Rappie]

I just find it amazing that the vet schools in the USA are teaching the three year protocol as standard now but the Australian Vet Association isn't picking it up.

The AVA has just released their new vaccination guidelines - they've been in the works for quite some time.

It recommends a 3 yearly protocol for core vaccination (parvo, distemper, hepatitis) then annual vaccination for additional vaccinations if they are required (parainfluenza / bordatella / leptospirosis etc). It has prompted a review of our protocols even though we are already on a 3 year protocol.

Feline vaccination is a bit tricky - the recommendations are for a 3 year protocol but no one has tested a 3 year DOI. Do we (the profession) take the leap of faith, or reluctantly stick with the registered protocol, or go halfway and do 3 year with patients who are 'low risk'?

[Staranais]

I just find it amazing that the vet schools in the USA are teaching the three year protocol as standard now but the Australian Vet Association isn't picking it up.

The AVA has just released their new vaccination guidelines - they've been in the works for quite some time.

It recommends a 3 yearly protocol for core vaccination (parvo, distemper, hepatitis) then annual vaccination for additional vaccinations if they are required (parainfluenza / bordatella / leptospirosis etc). It has prompted a review of our protocols even though we are already on a 3 year protocol.

Feline vaccination is a bit tricky - the recommendations are for a 3 year protocol but no one has tested a 3 year DOI. Do we (the profession) take the leap of faith, or reluctantly stick with the registered protocol, or go halfway and do 3 year with patients who are 'low risk'?

"Forcat" from Intervet offers a 3 year duration of immunity for the panleukopenia component, Rappie - perhaps you can't get it in Australia though? They still recommend annual revaccinations for the calcivirus and viral rhinitis components, though.

[Rappie]

Nope, no 3 yr feline vaccine here (yet).

I believe (from reading a poster at WSAVA in 2007!) that in the US, that all the components of the combined vaccines are available as individual vaccines. Currently, the only way we have to give calicivirus etc is as part of an F3/F4/F5/F6 anyway.

[Staranais]

Nope, no 3 yr feline vaccine here (yet).

I believe (from reading a poster at WSAVA in 2007!) that in the US, that all the components of the combined vaccines are available as individual vaccines. Currently, the only way we have to give calicivirus etc is as part of an F3/F4/F5/F6 anyway.

We can get the FHV and FCV together as Ducat (at least we could, I think we still can). Don't think many people bother using it though, I guess they figure if they're going to get the other components done annually they might as well just give all 3 together.

[lappiemum]

I just find it amazing that the vet schools in the USA are teaching the three year protocol as standard now but the Australian Vet Association isn't picking it up.

The AVA has just released their new vaccination guidelines - they've been in the works for quite some time.

It recommends a 3 yearly protocol for core vaccination (parvo, distemper, hepatitis) then annual vaccination for additional vaccinations if they are required (parainfluenza / bordatella / leptospirosis etc). It has prompted a review of our protocols even though we are already on a 3 year protocol.

Feline vaccination is a bit tricky - the recommendations are for a 3 year protocol but no one has tested a 3 year DOI. Do we (the profession) take the leap of faith, or reluctantly stick with the registered protocol, or go halfway and do 3 year with patients who are 'low risk'?

I can confirm that this message has gone through - was down at my vets 2 days ago and was talking to the vet nurse about vaccinations - I have had my reminder notice come through but was reluctant to go down the yearly routine and wanted to sound them out on 3 yearly - the nurse said 'Oh yeah, we got something on that today from the Vet Association, they recommend 3 yrs too." So there is hope out there.....

(they still want me to come in for a yearly check up though....LOL)

[stormie]

I just find it amazing that the vet schools in the USA are teaching the three year protocol as standard now but the Australian Vet Association isn't picking it up.

The AVA has just released their new vaccination guidelines - they've been in the works for quite some time.

It recommends a 3 yearly protocol for core vaccination (parvo, distemper, hepatitis) then annual vaccination for additional vaccinations if they are required (parainfluenza / bordatella / leptospirosis etc). It has prompted a review of our protocols even though we are already on a 3 year protocol.

Feline vaccination is a bit tricky - the recommendations are for a 3 year protocol but no one has tested a 3 year DOI. Do we (the profession) take the leap of faith, or reluctantly stick with the registered protocol, or go halfway and do 3 year with patients who are 'low risk'?

I can confirm that this message has gone through - was down at my vets 2 days ago and was talking to the vet nurse about vaccinations - I have had my reminder notice come through but was reluctant to go down the yearly routine and wanted to sound them out on 3 yearly - the nurse said 'Oh yeah, we got something on that today from the Vet Association, they recommend 3 yrs too." So there is hope out there.....

(they still want me to come in for a yearly check up though....LOL)

Excellent! This is what needs to happen. We haven't received anything yet but hopefully will shortly!

[OSoSwift]

I am more than happy for a yearly check, get hearts checked, lungs etc - after losing two Dobes to heart disease and my old Stafford with a heart murmer, I sometimes get them checked even more often!- and a three yearly vaccination. I can then also stock up on wormers etc ask any questions and we are all happy. With my oldies I will quite often get them a 6month check up, so they definately won't be losing any money out of me!

[stormie]

Surely if there is a 3 year vaccination marketed as such, then the research has been done and proven?? Therefore the only person able to be sued who be the company producing and labeling the vaccine as a 3 year vaccination not the vet going by the manufactorers labelling??

You'd think so wouldn't you. I can't understand if the research has been done, why companies are still bringing out annual vaccines. It wasn't that long ago (6months maybe?) that we had a rep come by trying to push their new particular vaccine, which was still an annual, and their selling point was how it had a stronger hit on the immune system and so was more reliable, or something ridiculous.

I think annual check-ups are still really important, though, and people shouldn't stop going in for check-ups simply because they're not getting vaccines.