In response to the changing viewpoint about the need for annual booster vaccinations, veterinary vaccinologists have recommended new protocols for dogs and cats. These include:

 1. giving the puppy or kitten vaccine series followed by a booster at one year of age;
 2. administering further boosters in a combination vaccine every three years or as split components alternating every other year until;
 3. the pet reaches geriatric age, at which time booster vaccination is likely to be unnecessary and may be unadvisable for those with aging or immunologic disorders.

In the intervening years between booster vaccinations, and in the case of geriatric pets, circulating humoral immunity can be evaluated by measuring serum vaccine antibody titers as an indication of the presence of “immune memory”. Titers do not distinguish between immunity generated by vaccination and/or exposure to the disease, although the magnitude of immunity produced just by vaccination is usually lower (see Notes below).

Except where vaccination is required by law, all animals, but especially those dogs or close relatives that previously experienced an adverse reaction to vaccination can have serum antibody titers measured annually instead of revaccination. If adequate titers are found, the animal should not need revaccination until some future date. Rechecking antibody titers can be performed annually, thereafter, or can be offered as an alternative to pet owners who prefer not to follow the conventional practice of annual boosters. Reliable serologic vaccine titering is available through Antech at a reasonable cost.

With respect to rabies, titers are only accepted on a case-by-case basis, where a dog or cat has had a documented adverse reaction to previous vaccination or has some serious debilitating disease where vaccination would be unwise or unsafe. In such cases, the primary care veterinarian has to write a letter documenting the reason, and ask for a waiver of booster vaccination. These are usually granted on an annual basis; however, Antech consultants and the veterinarian community do not promote attempts to avoid rabies boosters, as rabies is a fatal disease of all mammals including humans.

For further information, please refer to the July issue of Antech News online or in PDF.