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If the rates of vaccination fall below the necessary population coverage then the disease regains a hold and epidemics can occur.
If enough people choose to not vaccinate their dogs there is a very real concern that diseases such as Canine Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis and Canine Parvovirus may again reach epidemic proportions.
The AVMA are currently conducting studies on the issues of vaccinology and immunology to ascertain the safety, efficiency and duration of immunity of vaccines.
Currently our knowledge of the immune system is incomplete. Specific research is needed to determine;
the best protocol for vaccination and revaccination.
the duration of vaccine immunity. The one year revaccination recommendation on many vaccines is based on historical precedent and not on scientific data. There is evidence that some vaccines provide immunity beyond one year.
the effect of revaccination of patients who already have sufficient immunity.
The AVMA recommended veterinarians create "core" and "non-core" vaccination programs and that vaccine schedules be tailored to each specific animal.
Core vaccines exhibit patient risk: benefit ratios high enough to warrant their use. They are intended for use in the majority of animals in one area. Core vaccines are those that protect from diseases that are virulent and highly infectious, thereby posing a risk of severe disease. Vaccines included in many core programs include: Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper and Infectious Hepatitis (adenovirus). Canine Parvovirus is an important vaccine since puppies are very likely to encounter the virus because of its high prevalence and environmental stability. Canine Distemper and Hepatitis, caused by adenovirus, are less prevalent but serious canine diseases.
Most veterinarians still recommend annual vaccinations for all dogs. However others think that a protective immune response is likely to persist for several years following a core vaccine. Despite the absence of published duration of immunity studies, there is growing support for the administration of core vaccines at three year intervals in adult dogs. Owners should discuss an individual vaccination strategy for their dog with their veterinarians.
It is quite reasonable to avoid the use of unnecessary vaccines and vaccinate no more often than necessary to provide essential protection against disease. But our ability to determine that a dog is protected is based solely upon checking antibody titers. Antibody titer tests are not absolutely predictive of the individual's ability to fight disease but indicate the strength of the immune system's memory of exposure to a pathogen.
Once a reliable clinical test is available to measure distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus antibodies, we may be better able to reduce the number of puppy vaccinations and determine specifically when an adult dog needs revaccination.
Until more information on the immune system, the duration of immunity and specific antibody tests are available, it may be best to continue to vaccinate annually.
Do your own research on the vaccination issue to be aware of the benefits and risks. Keep abreast of changing knowledge in the area of vaccination to make an informed decision and discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.
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