New Vaccination Protocols

As of March 1, 2004, Community Pet Hospital is implementing a new vaccination schedule for dogs and cats. We are changing our vaccine protocol because recent studies have shown that immunity from vaccines lasts longer than previously thought. We are making these changes in order to provide the safest prevention medicine for our patients. The guidelines set by the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for vaccinations will be followed.

Veterinary medicine is changing to accommodate a more health-conscious and educated clientele and our goal is to meet the highest standards of care. We continue to be concerned with protecting the pet population from disease and we are confident that our new protocol will accomplish this and more. Each pet’s specific vaccination needs will be determined based upon discussions with the owner at the pet’s annual exam. However, the basic schedule we recommend for both dogs and cats is a rotating schedule as follows:

DOGS

Year One: Rabies Vaccine & Canine Distemper Vaccine
 
Year Two: Bloodwork
 
Year Three: Canine Distemper Vaccine
 
Year Four : Rabies Vaccine
 
Year Five: Bloodwork
 
Year Six: Canine Distemper Vaccine 

CATS

Year One: Rabies Vaccine & Feline Distemper Vaccine
 
Year Two: Rabies Vaccine, Feline Leukemia Vaccine & Bloodwork
 
Year Three: Rabies Vaccine, Feline Leukemia Vaccine & Feline Distemper Vaccine
 
Year Four: Rabies Vaccine & Feline Leukemia Vaccine
 
Year Five: Rabies Vaccine, Feline Leukemia Vaccine & Bloodwork
 
Year Six: Rabies Vaccine, Feline Leukemia Vaccine & Feline Distemper Vaccine

Please note that the puppy and kitten series will not change and they will continue to receive their booster shots at one year of age. The Bordetella and Giardia vaccinations will continue to be given as required by each boarding or grooming facility.

The protocol for cats is for outdoor and regularly boarded adult cats. Indoor cats will not receive the Feline Leukemia Vaccine. Currently, the feline rabies vaccine (Purvax) manufactured by Merial is not yet labeled for use every three years. However, when it is, we will make the change to our protocol.

If you have any questions or need more information regarding this new protocol, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to provide assistance.