The types and frequency of vaccinations is a medical decision best decided on by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will make her decision based on your pet’s risk factors and lifestyle. Most recently, the question has come up about the frequency of vaccinations needed to keep a pet healthy. 

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) created a task force that examined risk factors for disease, types of vaccinations, and the frequency of vaccinations.  The guidelines were created by veterinary immunology experts and are based on expert opinion and scientific studies.

These guidelines divide vaccines into two types: core and non-core.

Core

Core vaccines should be given to all dogs. Non-core vaccines are only given to dogs that are at risk of a certain disease. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and include vaccines for canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2 (canine hepatitis protection), and rabies.

Non-Core

Non-core vaccines are vaccines that should be considered based on the risk of the animal and also the animal’s geographic location.

Examples of non-core vaccines include canine parainfluenza virus, canine influenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Leptospirosis, dog flu, and Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme vaccines).

Core  Vaccines  

Canine Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, and Adenovirus-2 Vaccines
For initial puppy vaccination, one dose of vaccine containing Canine Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, and Adenovirus-2 Vaccines is recommended every 3-4 weeks from 6 weeks of age, with the final booster being given at 16 weeks of age.

For dogs that are older than 16 weeks of age and  have either not been vaccinated or their vaccine history is not known, two doses of vaccine containing modified live Canine Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, and Adenovirus-2 Vaccines  should be given 3-4 weeks apart. 

The Canine Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, and Adenovirus-2 Vaccines should be boostered one year later and then revaccination can be given every 3 years, ideally using a product approved for 3-year administration.

Canine Rabies Virus Vaccines
Rabies vaccines are required by law in many states. This is because the disease is highly fatal and can be easily transmitted to humans. Rabies vaccination protocols are governed by each state, but the vaccine can be given as early as 3 months of age. Some states require annual rabies vaccinations while others may recognize 3 year vaccinations. Always check with your veterinarian for your state’s regulations.