Should you vaccinate or not?

Are these *really* lifesaving inventions, or have they done more harm than good to our dogs and cats?

Well it turns out that it’s somewhere in the middle… as in they have clearly helped millions of animals, but also caused a bunch of harm.

In the vein of helping your pets STAY healthy, I do encourage you to get them on a good quality complete Dog or Cat supplement.

And ensure it includes immune supportive ingredients (ie essential fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, colostrum, and now 95% Curcumin.)

All of these (and more!) are in our here…

For dogs: Dr Jones Ultimate Canine ADVANCED PLUS Health Formula

For cats: Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula

The Vaccine Question: A Critical Look at Pet Immunizations

As a veterinarian deeply involved in the health and well-being of our dogs and cats, I’ve seen firsthand the evolution and impact of vaccinations in veterinary medicine. Initially, the development and use of vaccines, such as those for rabies, canine parvovirus, and feline distemper (Panleukopenia), were groundbreaking. They were essential in preventing serious infectious diseases that could devastate pet populations.

The Business of Vaccines

However, over time, the drive for profit by pharmaceutical companies and the use of vaccinations as a tool for practice growth among veterinarians have complicated the landscape. Vaccines began to be produced for a wide array of diseases—ranging from Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) to Lyme Disease and even a Rattlesnake Vaccine. This proliferation led to recommendations for annual vaccinations with multiple vaccines, a practice that, unfortunately, has not always served the best interest of our pets.

Rethinking Vaccination Protocols

In the past decade, there has been a significant shift in perspective. Many veterinarians, alongside most veterinary colleges, now recognize that we were vaccinating too often with too many vaccines. Today, a more conservative approach is advised. For my next puppy or kitten, I plan to follow a modified protocol:

• Puppies: Distemper/Parvovirus vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks, rabies vaccine at 6 months, followed by a titer test after a year to determine the need for further vaccinations.
• Kittens: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks, rabies vaccine at 6 months, followed by a titer test and potentially no further need for vaccinations.

Understanding Vaccine Side Effects

Adjuvants and Additives

Vaccines include adjuvants like aluminum hydroxide and paraffin oil to enhance the immune response, and additives such as thimerosol (a mercury-based preservative) and formaldehyde to stabilize and preserve the vaccine. While these ingredients help in developing immunity, they also raise the risk of autoimmune and anti-inflammatory reactions. Dr. Jean Dodds, a respected expert in veterinary pathology, notes that these reactions can alter gene expression and affect the nervous system and immune function.

AISIA Syndrome

Auto-inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (AISIA) was recognized as a clinical disease in 2011, illustrating how adjuvants can trigger autoimmune diseases, causing the body’s immune system to attack itself. Symptoms post-vaccination can range from skin allergies and seizures to more severe conditions like liver disease and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.

Specific Concerns in Cats

The use of certain cell lines in vaccine production, such as the Crandall-Rees Feline Kidney (CRFK) cell line for Panleukopenia vaccines, has been linked to the development of antibodies against renal proteins in cats. This has been implicated in the widespread chronic kidney disease observed in the aging feline population.

Moving Forward: Safer Vaccination Practices

To minimize these risks, I advocate for the following practices:

• Vaccinate less frequently and only with necessary vaccines based on regional risks.
• Use non-adjuvanted vaccines where possible, such as the Purevax line for cats, to reduce adverse reactions.
• Avoid vaccines grown on feline kidney cell cultures to prevent immune reactions against kidney tissues.
• Conduct titer tests one year after the initial series to assess immunity levels before considering additional vaccinations.

Recent studies support these recommendations, showing that most vaccines confer immunity for at least five years after just two initial doses. By adopting a more judicious approach to vaccinations, we can protect our pets more effectively and safely.