“Core” Vaccines
Canine vaccines which are considered essential, and should be given to every dog, are termed “core vaccines”. All other vaccines are regarded as “non-core” and should be used in dogs considered at high risk on an as needed basis. Core vaccines are considered essential because they are designed to prevent important diseases that pose serious health threats to susceptible dogs, irrespective of geographic location or the life style of a dog. Some “non-core” vaccines also may be considered “core” because they are designed to prevent a disease that is a potential public health threat….
How Often to Vaccinate?
Repeated vaccinations with multi-component vaccines need not be repeated at intervals more often than every 2 to 4 weeks in a puppy program. Two to three doses of vaccine should be adequate to immunize when vaccination is started at 6 to 9 weeks. The most important aspect of a puppy vaccination program is to make certain that the last dose of vaccine in the series is given when the animal is at least 12 to 14 weeks of age. However, as mentioned above, pups often receive 4 to 6 doses of the same multi-component vaccine during the first 3 – 4 months of life. The higher number of doses may be justified for animals in humane shelters, commercial kennels, …where animals are at high risk. However, pet dogs in a single or multi-dog household are at low risk of exposure to most diseases
Excerpts:
In: Recent Advances in Canine Infectious Diseases, Carmichael L. (Ed.)
International Veterinary Information Service, Ithaca NY (www.ivis.org), 2000; A0110.0500
Considerations in Designing Effective and Safe Vaccination Programs for Dogs (Last Updated: 5-May-2000) R. D. Schultz<