New Vaccination Protocols: It's About Time!

Why new vaccine protocols?

Many holistic veterinarians have long been wary of the quantity, timing, and types of vaccines, including their efficacy and the required frequency. There have been entire articles and chapters of books devoted to "vaccinosis". But until the problem was indisputably obvious, the heavy hitters in veterinary medicine were not going to suggest new guidelines. However, when more than a few feline pets started developing cancer right at the site of the vaccine injection (how much more obvious could it be?), the problem could no longer be ignored. "The Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force (VAFSTF) was formed in November 1996 in response to the increased incidence of soft tissue sarcomas occurring at vaccination sites." This is from the AVMA web site at http://www.avma.org/vafstf/default.asp

Have any of the larger veterinary schools adopted this?

Yes, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science is a good example! Here's an excerpt fromColorado State University's Small Animal Vaccination Protocol: "Our adoption of this routine vaccination program is based on the lack of scientific evidence to support the current practice of annual vaccination and increasing documentation showing that overvaccinating has been associated with harmful side effects. Of particular note in this regard has been the association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia with vaccination in dogs and vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats -- both of which are often fatal. With boosters (except for rabies vaccine), the annual revaccination recommendation on the vaccine label is just that -- a recommendation without the backing of long term duration of immunity studies, and is not a legal requirement. "

Does my pet need vaccines or not?

Yes, pets do need some vaccines, especially puppies. The new protocols deal with which vaccines, when, and what type (live, modified virus, or killed virus). It is up to you to be an INFORMED PET OWNER and review the following information with your veterinarian and make an informed decision. In our opinion, it is very important to be sure that your veterinarian is more concerned with the well-being of your pet than with veterinary economics.

Is it just another way to get me to spend more money?

Actually, the new guidelines will in general cost the pet owner less in vaccination costs if their veterinarian follows the new guidelines.

So, that sounds great. Why isn't everyone jumping on the bandwagon?

Vaccines are big business for both vaccine manufacturers and veterinarians. Not giving as many vaccines can represent a significant loss of income. Here's a quote from Dr. Bob Rogers:

"Some of this information will present an ethical and economic challenge to veterinarians, and there will be skeptics, but I think you will agree with me that in the practice of medicine, the emphasis should be on safety, and that no medicine should be given more frequently, longer, or at a higher dose than is necessary.

Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years (15-p41) to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well being should not be a factor in medical decisions."

Is this just some more media sensationalism or scare tactics by non-conventional veterinarians?

Not at all. The new guidelines are based upon recommendations by the top veterinary organizations and schools in the country, including the following:

• peer reviewed journal publications
• the AVMA
• the council on biologic and therapeutic agents
• Texas A&M University
• Cornell University
• Colorado State University
• the AAHA

Where can I look at a new Canine Vaccination Schedule based upon the recommendations?

Click here.

Where can I look at a new Feline Vaccination Schedule based upon the recommendations?

Click here.

Who wrote these schedules (e.g. how reliable is the source)?

The above are vaccination schedules being used by the Critter Fixer Clinic (http://www.critterfixer.com/) and Dr. Robert Rogers. He bases these recommendations on: peer reviewed journal publications, the recommendations of the AVMA and the council on biologic and therapeutic agents, Texas A&M University, Cornell University, Colorado State University, and the AAHA. He was presented the Torch Awards for Excellence in Business Ethics by the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation for his Public Education about New Vaccination Recommendations.