We are a one cat, two dog family and every year we get jabbed by the vet. The other day down at the beach a few of us got into an animated discussion. One of my pals argued annual vaccinations weren’t necessary after the puppy jabs. Some of us reckon we need to have them each year to remain protected from those infectious diseases. Can you help us sort this one out? (Dotty, 4 years, Dalmatian, Dalmeny)

Dr Alan:

Nobody likes getting more “jabs” than necessary, Dotty. Vaccinations have provided real protection from nasty diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper for dogs and Feline Enteritis in cats. Our knowledge of how the immune mechanisms work has increased due to years of research. Annual vaccinations, against some diseases, are not essential in some dogs and cats. I know that sounds ambiguous, but the truth is each dog or cat’s immune system is unique. Some animals can develop life long immunity to some diseases after their initial vaccinations are administered when they are puppies and kittens and young dogs and cats. In all animals the immunity will wane over time and boosters are recommended to maintain protection. A small percentage of dogs and cats do not develop strong immunity when vaccinated and become “at risk” sometime after they receive their vaccinations. The problem is determining which animal is protected and which is not. For this reason, annual vaccinations have been recommended by vets. Vaccines are now available that extend the time between boosters. My recommendation is you get your owner to speak with your vet and find out what vaccination program is best suited for you.