Dogs and Anti Vaccination Advocates

Over the years, there seems to be an increase in people questioning the wisdom of recommended vaccination schedules for dogs. While I'm not a scientist or a Veterinarian, I do have a strong science background. I have also worked for over 30 years as a firefighter where I had to make daily "risk vs benefit" decisions. Opinions that vaccinations pose more risk than benefit are often based on anecdotal stories of adverse reactions to vaccinations, OR that an individual can contract the disease for which the vaccine offers protection.

First, let's consider the risks involved with vaccinations. While many compelling arguments and opinions can be found online, there have been many studies over the past decades that clearly demonstrate the risks associated with vaccines is infinitesimally small. Yes, there can be occasional local or systemic reactions to some vaccines. But the picture painted by most "anit-vaxxers", suggesting they pose significant health risks, have simply not been substantiated. In fact, they've been entirely dispelled in the scientific and medical communities, based on studies, statistics, and ongoing monitoring.

The only historically significant problem with vaccines over the past 70 years occurred in 1955. Cutter Labs released 140,000 doses of human polio vaccine containing some live virus. 40,000 people became infected rather than protected. This was a laboratory mistake, and the worst problem ever documented with vaccines. Modern vaccines have an impeccable safety record!

So what about benefits? The single most important evidence I can provide is this consistent truth - where vaccination rates rise, disease rates decrease. Conversely, when vaccination rates drop off, disease and outbreaks begin rising. And here follows an important consideration. For those believing vaccines are not necessary, well IF that's true, it's only because of all the other people who do embrace the benefits of vaccinations. Complacency, or false fears driving vaccination rates downward, consistently create upticks in community disease rates. So choosing against vaccinations can put more than your or your family at risk, it degrades disease resistance for the community. Over 160 people die daily from Rabies acquired from dogs - almost all these deaths are in areas that don't vaccinate dogs.

Science of immunology is similar for all mammals. Rather than going on and on, I would encourage anyone with doubts about the safety or effectiveness of vaccines to do some research on your own. Research means finding scientific studies that are controlled, reproducible, and unbiased. To that end, you may wish to review the following link on wikipedia related to human vaccine controversies:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccine_controversies

The best resource for any dog owner regarding vaccinations for your pet is your own Veterinarian. He/she will know your pet, it's health, risks it may encounter in your environment, current safety and effectiveness of any vaccine(s) being considered, AND what is required by law in your area. Talk to them!