Immunization has long been a hot topic in the human arena, and now some veterinarians are questioning its benefits for pets, saying some immunizations need be administered only every three years.
Local veterinarian at Sunshine Coast Pet Hospital, Tom Sholseth, describes himself as the equivalent of a medical health officer for animals on the Coast.
"I have my masters of preventative veterinary medicine, which is like the masters of public health that [medical health officer] Dr. Paul Martiquet holds. People with my degree discuss vaccinations, the need for them, how to do them, what diseases need to be controlled and things like that. Studies we do determine what type of vaccines are necessary, who is susceptible to disease and what kind of precautions need to be taken," Sholseth said. Weighing in on the immunization debate is right up his alley, he added.
He said he and many veterinarians in Canada and the U.S. have come to the conclusion some vaccines are not needed every year, as has previously been prescribed.
"We think vaccines for distemper and feline upper respiratory illness are not needed as often as they are being prescribed. Of course, they have to adhere to a very stringent set of shots at first when the animals are young," Sholseth said, adding a one year booster is needed. Following the one year booster Sholseth recommends vaccinating for these diseases at three year intervals, rather than annually.
He also suggests a rabies shot is not needed yearly, and although many think rabies is on the decline and not a problem locally, Sholseth points to recent breakouts in Vancouver of some raccoons found carrying the disease.
The reason for the new three-year immunization schedule is that vaccine companies are starting to offer improved vaccines that last longer, Sholseth says.
But Sholseth warns a three-year vaccination schedule doesn't mean pet owners should visit their veterinarian only once every three years.
"It is still incredibly important to come in for a yearly physical exam if you want to prevent problems or catch them when they're small," he said.
He also notes that all animals are different and depending on their health and specific needs, more vaccinations may be necessary.
"It is important we educate people and not make broad sweeping judgments. People should talk with their vets and find the best plan to suit their individual animals," Sholseth said.
However, he worries some veterinarians may be unwilling to move to a three-year vaccination schedule because of the loss of income it would signal.
"When you attach a profit centre to a vaccine you have a huge problem in that if vets aren't vaccinating as much it's a loss of income and there has been huge debate over this issue," Sholseth says.
He recommends pet owners do some of their own research on the subject and points to two websites with verified up-to-date information on immunization for animals. For dog owners, the website is www.aahanet.org. Scroll to the bottom of the page to read the 2006 American Animal Hospital Association canine vaccine guidelines.
Cat owners can check out www.avma.org/vafstf. This website, hosted by the vaccine - associate feline sarcoma task force, has a section on feline vaccines, benefits and risks.
For more information from Sholseth on the subject, call 604-740-8208.
