Vaccinations

Infectious diseases once killed thousands of pets each year

But then we started vaccinating. Vaccination became one of the greatest success stories of veterinary medicine, saving countless lives. These days - thanks to vaccination - infectious disease is much less obvious. The MMR debate seems to have damaged the reputation of vaccines in general. Most recently there has been discussion in the media regarding pet booster vaccinations.

Should we vaccinate our pets at all?

Many of the animal diseases we vaccinate against are killers. Whereas a child with mumps will almost certainly get better, an unvaccinated dog that contracts parvovirus can easily die. Only vaccination can prevent these diseases. How would you feel if your well loved pet suffered or even died from a preventable disease?

Are the diseases still a threat?

Vaccination has dramatically reduced the incidence of many diseases in pets, but none have been completely eradicated altogether (unlike smallpox in people). Unfortunately we still commonly see cases of many of the diseases we are able to vaccinate against - notably parvovirus in dogs, feline leukaemia and cat flu in cats, and myxomatosis in rabbits. The other diseases we vaccinate against are also seen occasionally (see individual species sheets for further information).

Are annual boosters really necessary?

In simple terms, yes, yearly boosters (6 monthly in rabbits) are still necessary against some diseases. But not all. Each year at your annual visit your vet will give your pet only the vaccines needed to maintain protection. We aim to use the minimum number of vaccines whilst still providing optimum protection for your pet.

Do vaccines cause more illness than they prevent?

As with any medicinal product (human or animal), an adverse reaction is possible. However, severe adverse reactions are exceptionally rare and the vaccines are tested thoroughly for safety and efficacy.

Can I use homeopathic vaccines to protect my pet instead?

There is currently no legal requirement for homeopathic vaccines to undergo efficacy or safety trials. Although we have no wish to disparage homeopathy in general, there is no evidence to suggest that homeopathic vaccines are powerful enough to protect against infectious diseases.

Vaccination for Cats

Vaccination for Dogs

Vaccination for Rabbits