In recent years, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has updated their recommendation for vaccination protocols in both dogs and cats.  What we have learned about the duration of immunity provided by vaccinations has changed. 

Many of the vaccinations we have traditionally known as annual vaccines will be given every three years. We will still recommend that your pet be seen annually for a wellness exam,.

As in any other medical treatment at Tualatin Park Veterinary Clinic, we will tailor a vaccination schedule to be most appropriate for your pet’s lifestyle. There is not one treatment plan appropriate for every patient.  After thorough examination and discussion with our doctor and team members, we hope to offer you and your pet a vaccination schedule that maintains his wellness while not over vaccinating.

We are proud to offer our clients the most up to date and scientifically proven medical care. We understand that you may have questions about our recommended schedule, and we welcome the opportunity to answer them.

Below you will find a list of our most common vaccinations, the ages they are usually given, and how often they are necessary.

CANINES

Core Vaccinations

These vaccines are recommended for every canine with an unknown vaccination history. The diseases involved have significant morbidity and mortality and are widely distributed, and in general, vaccination results in good protection from the disease.

• DA2PV (Canine Distemper Virus, Adenovirus 2, Canine Parvo Virus)
  -Given at 8, 12 & 16 weeks, booster in 1 year, then every three years thereafter
• Rabies
  -Given between 4 and 6 months of age, booster in one year, then every three years thereafter.

Non-Core Vaccinations

These vaccines are optional vaccines that will be considered in light of risk of exposure. They may be required by boarding facilities, or recommended for lifestyle or travel. Several of the diseases are self-limiting, or respond readily to treatment if contracted. Vaccination with these vaccines is generally less effective in prevention of disease than vaccination with the core vaccines.

• Canine Leptospira (Recommended in our area)
  -Given at 12 & 16 weeks, then annually thereafter
• Bordetella Bronchioseptica (AKA: Kennel Cough)
  -Given as early as 8 weeks, then annually thereafter, or as required for boarding

Other non-core vaccinations such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme,) Canine Influenza (CIV,) Canine Parainfluenza Virus, Canine Coronavirus, and Rattlesnake vaccines are available, but are not as commonly recommended. Let us know if you are planning travel out of the area, or have questions about your pet’s specific protocol.

FELINES

Core Vaccinations

These vaccines are recommended for every feline with unknown vaccination history. These diseases are widely distributed, and in general, vaccination results in good protection from the disease.

• Feline Herpesvirus 1, Feline Calicivirus and Panleukopenia
  -Given at 8, 12 & 16 weeks, booster at one year, then every three years thereafter
• Rabies
  -Given at 16 weeks, booster in one year, then every three years thereafter

Non-Core Vaccinations

These vaccines are optional vaccines that will be considered in light of risk of exposure. They may be recommended for cats based on lifestyle, or disease status of other cats in household.

• Feline Leukemia Virus (Recommended for all cats that go outdoors, or have contact with cats of unknown FeLV Status)
  -Given at 12 and 16 weeks, then every other year thereafter

Other non-core vaccinations such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are available, but not as commonly recommended. Let us know if you have specific concerns regarding your cat’s lifestyle or risk factors and the benefit to vaccinating for any other infectious diseases or viruses.