Rabies vaccine question

[Anonymous]

Before I adopted my dog last year, he was “treated” to a slew of vaccines, including the one year (vs three year) rabies vaccine- why that, I don’t know. I know he won’t need the others repeated but wish he had gotten the 3-year rabies one instead. Are they one and the same? He has had some issues since I adopted him- irritated eyes, itchy ears, sensitive digestion at times- and I’m worried about the possible effect the vaccine could have on him if these other problems were caused by vaccine overload. I fully intend to get him the vaccine when it’s due if it won’t do harm(if it’s just a tad overdue, it’s not like at the stroke of midnight his immunity would expire like a quart of milk) Would minor issues even qualify as reasons for a waiver? Would thuja act as a buffer? Thank you

[Dr. Jeff Feinman]

Thanks so much for your post. Great to see you here again!

Yes, the one year and three year vaccines are identical. The idea of requiring a booster in 1 year is to ensure an adequate immune response. If there was “proof” that he was vaccinated previously, then the vaccine he recently received probably could be re-certified to last for 3 years.

No, the very recent (published in the 1/15/15 JAVMA) scientific evidence shows that the overdue immune response is just as good as any other dog receiving the booster.

Unfortunately, most vets will require a direct vaccine problem or more serious issue to apply for a waiver.

No. Thuja is not a post-vaccine panacea (unless your dog entered a Thuja state after vaccination). Despite what some believe and even promote. Sorry.

Dr. Jeff

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