Just wondered with all the controversy over Dogs immune systems being damaged with over vaccinating and people being bulldozed in to yearly boosters, by vets etc, wondered if there are actually any vets who will titre test, to see if pets really need all the yearly boosters and /or the different componants of them.
What about the 3 year protocol. What do other pet owners think?
Do all of you yearly boost.

This has been talked about alot in vets school at nottingham , there is no evidence to suggest that dogs immune systems have been damaged or should i say not enough research has been done to gain any conclusions here in the uk.
But I always have our 2 done as we are are dog walkers and although we make sure all the dogs we walk are vaccinated , we meet dogs in the park whom we don't know if they are or arn't, its the same for worming and flea treating , we don't put ours at risk in any way, so having them injected against illness is the best way to ensure they have the best chance of a healthy life. We also have kennel cough done too.

Mine don't get yearly boosters. Plus no ones actually sure how effective there are on rotties.

Vaccine intervals are based on the minimum length of time the majority of the population will be protected for. Following controversy a few years ago several vaccine manufacturers did studies into this. They discovered that Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus vaccines should be re-licensed for every 3 year use. Leptospirosis immunity is short lived and should still be done every year. I still see Lepto infections on an intermittent basis. Parainfluenza only lasts a year as well. Kennel cough lasts 6-12months depending upon the vaccine manufacturer.

Vets HAVE to follow manufacturers claims when using any licensed medications or vaccines. They would not be supported by governing bodies if they did not do so. It is any owners right to request a blood sample be taken yearly to look antibody levels in their dog instead of the yearly booster. Several of my clients do so. That is the only sure way of not "over-vaccinating". The cost is similar, though it will be more if the animal subsequently also requires a vaccination that year.

Finally, there is no proof that over-vaccination is harmful, but there is also no proof that it isn't. In my own opinion, which is not necessarily that of the profession, vaccination yearly does not seem to have adverse long term effects, though the most important part of the yearly booster is the clinical examination and health check. It gives important chances to bring up and discuss any queries you have regarding the health and welfare of your pet. The vaccination bit is to complement that, but more emphasis is placed on the vaccine as its often that bit that you see written on your bill!

It's funny but Human vaccinations tend to be for life (MMR), 10 years (tetanus) etc.

But of course it's a money making opportunity for vets. :)

I just go when the vet tells us too but it seems to be January every year !! I am going to Zimbabwe in February and even the vacs i have already had that like Tetnus and Hep b need to be redone even though there is another 4 years on each :(
Vets are about good care of your animal not just to make money I am sure they don't inject just for the sake of it