SUGGESTED VACCINE SCHEDULE FOR PUPPIES

  3 weeks* 6 weeks 9 weeks 12 weeks 16 weeks 20 weeks
Measles
   x        
Distemper
   x x x x x
Parvo
   x x x x x
Corona
     x x    
Adenovirus Type 2
   x x x x x
Parainfluenza
   x x x x x
Leptospirosis
       x x x
Lyme Disease
     x x    
Giardia
     x x    
Kennel Cough *
 x (or older)          
Rabies
         x  

*Injectable Kennel Cough Vaccine (i.e. Bronchicine) requires two administrations, 2-4 weeks apart. * An additional 20 week vaccination is recommended for muscular breeds of dogs, i.e. Pit Bulls, Rottweillers, Dobermans.

SUGGESTED VACCINE SCHEDULE FOR KITTENS

  8 weeks 11 weeks 14 weeks 16-20 weeks
Distemper (Panleukopenia)
 x x x x
Rhinotracheitis
 x x x x
Calci Virus
 x x x x
Chlamydia
 x x x x
Leukemia
   x x x
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
       x
Ringworm
       x
Rabies
       x

MIXING VACCINES

Asceptically transfer diluent (liquid portion) from the vial to the syringe
Asceptically inject diluent from syringe into the vial containing the freeze-dried vaccines.
Mix vaccine by shaking the vial for a few seconds.
Aseptically withdraw mixed vaccine from the vial to the injection syringe.

INJECTION AREAS
Intramuscular Injection (IM)
Subcutaneous Injection (SQ)
  • An intramuscular injection is administered into the muscle. This is usually the thigh muscle. The muscle can be grasped with one hand and the needle inserted with the other hand. The vaccine is then injected.
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  • A subcutaneous injection is usually administered on the side of the neck. Simply pick up the skin and insert needle. If no blood appears while while pulling the plunger back, inject the vaccine.
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    HOW OFTEN SHOULD I VACCINATE?

    There is a growing concern amongst some Veterinarians that dogs and cats are being vaccinated far too often. Manufacturer's vaccination schedules are still satisfactory for most primary vaccinations. The number of actual vaccination injections required for primary immunization will vary depending upon the age of the pet when you first start the vaccinations. In general, two vaccinations given approximately 2 to 3 weeks apart after 12 weeks of age will be sufficient. A booster dose is recommended a year later.

    The question that still remains is how often should we booster vaccines after the pet has received their primary immunizations. The answer will vary somewhat due to different reasons such as age, risk of exposure, breed, gender, health status and previous vaccinations. We certainly do not want to under vaccinate our beloved pets, but we also do not want to cause undo stress or possible harm from over-vaccinating them either. Some Veterinarians are recommending a booster be administered every 3 years rather than annually in adult dogs and cats.

    PUPPY VACCINATION

    Puppies are born with maternal antibodies that can prevent active immunization when vaccinated. Maternal antibodies may last several weeks after weaning. Therefore, it is best to maintain isolation of puppies until they have received a series of vaccinations and are at least 16 weeks of age.

    -- Dr. Richard Porter, D.V.M.