MODIFIED VACCINATION PROTOCOL - 2003 UPDATE
MINIMAL VACCINATION USE
W. JEAN DODDS, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA. 90045
310-828-4804: FAX 310-828-8251
Note: This schedule is one I(W. Jean Dodds) recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other
protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional
judgment and choice. The following protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations
are advisable or desirable. For all other dogs, the 1999 protocol is still applicable.
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Age of Puppy		Vaccine Type
9 weeks		Distemper & Parvocirus MLV (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy)
12 weeks		Same as above or 1 dose at 14 weeks of age
16 weeks		Same as above or 1 dose at 14 weeks
24 weeks		(or older if allowable by law) Rabies
1 year		Distemper & Parvovirus MLV
1 year		1 year Rabies killed 3- year given 3-4 weeks apart from the Distemper/Parvovirus booster

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Do vaccine titers for Distemper and Parvovirus annually there after. Vaccinate for Rabies according
to the law, except when circumstances indicate that a vaccine waiver be obtained from the primary
veterinarian. In that case, a Rabies titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.
©This was reproduced exactly as it was written by W. Jean Dodds, DMV.

ADDITIONAL NEW INFORMATION ON VACCINATIONS

I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of
changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical &
economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics.
Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to
appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions,
or the doctor's economic well being should not be a factor in medical decision.

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY

"Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6
months of age, it produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo,
feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine
neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor
are more memory cells induced." Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they
subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. "There is no
scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines." Puppies
receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks.
Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks.
Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6
weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart
suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks
and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of
age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.

CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS

Distemper & Parvo
"According to Dr. Schultz, AVMA, 8-15-95, when a vaccinations series given at 2, 3 & 4 months and again
at 1 year with a MLV, puppies and kitten program memory cells that survive for life, providing lifelong
immunity." Dr. Carmichael at Cornell and Dr. Schultz have showing immunity against challenge at 2-10
years for canine distemper & 4 years for parvovirus. Studies for longer duration are pending. "There are no
new strains of parvovirus as one mfg. would like to suggest.
Parvovirus vaccination provides cross immunity for all types." Hepatitis (Adenovirus) is one of the agents
known to be a cause of kennel cough. Only vaccines with CAV-2 should be used as CAV-1 vaccines carry
the risk of "hepatitis blue-eye" reactions & kidney damage.
Bordetella Parainfluenza: Commonly called "Kennel cough"
Recommended only for those dogs boarded, groomed, taken to dog shows, or for any reason housed
where exposed to a lot of dogs. The intranasal vaccine provides more complete and more rapid onset of
immunity with less chance of reaction. Immunity requires 72 hours and does not protect from every cause
of kennel cough. Immunity is of short duration (4 to 6 months).

RABIES

There have been no reported cases of rabid dogs or cats in Harris, Montogomery or Ft. Bend Counties
[Texas], there have been rabid skunks and bats so the potential exists. It is a killed vaccine and must be
given every year.
Lyme disease is a tick born disease which can cause lameness, kidney failure and heart disease in dogs.
Ticks can also transmit the disease to humans. The original Ft. Dodge killed bacteria has proven to be the
most effective vaccine. Lyme disease prevention should emphasize early removal of ticks. Amitraz collars
are more effective than Top Spot, as amitraz paralyzes the tick's mouth parts preventing transmission of
disease .

VACCINATIONS NOT RECOMMENDED

Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the immune system and result in lesser
immunity for each individual disease as well as increasing the risk of a reaction. Canine Corona Virus is
only a disease of puppies. It is rare, self limiting (dogs get well in 3 days without treatment). Cornell &
Texas A&M have only diagnosed one case each in the last 7 years. Corona virus does not cause disease
in adult dogs. Leptospirosis vaccine is a common cause of adverse reactions in dogs Most of the clinical
cases of lepto reported in dogs in the US are caused by serovaars (or types) grippotyphosa and bratsilvia.
The vaccines contain different serovaars eanicola and ictohemorrhagica. Cross protection is not provided
and protection is short lived. Lepto vaccine is immuno-supressive to puppies less than 16 weeks.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in North America, 30% or more of all dogs & cats
are infected with giardia. It has now been demonstrated that humans can transmit giardia to dogs & cats &
vice versa. Heartworm preventative must be given year round in Houston.

VACCINES BADLY NEEDED

New vaccines in development include: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and cat scratch fever vaccine for
cats and Ehrlichia [one of the other tick diseases, much worse than Lymes] for dogs.
"ACVIM Board Endorses Use of AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines"
The following statement was endorsed by all 23 members of the ACVIM infectious Disease Study
Group and approved by the ACVIM Board: "The American College of Veterinary Internal
Medicine believes that all dogs should have a routine health examination by a veterinarian at least
yearly. At that time, vaccination needs should be determined and only those antigens
deemed necessary should be administered. We currently endorse the use of the AAHA (American
Animal Hospital Association) 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines as an aid in determining the
vaccination needs of individual dogs.