Question:
I was hoping you could address again your thoughts on vaccinations. What do you feel is necessary and what is not? Why do the majority of veterinarians promote yearly immunizations?I have four indoor/outdoor, well-cared-for cats, and the yearly vet bill for exams (which are not nearly thorough enough for my liking) and the vaccines comes to more than $400. The money is not the primary issue, but if I am giving something to my cat unnecessarily, I would like to avoid that.
S.M., Westerly, RI Nov 19, 2006
Answer:
One reason (or excuse) that some veterinarians give to justify annual booster vaccinations is that this is the only way to get clients to bring their animals in for a full annual physical. The latter I agree with, but not, as you know, with across-the-board annual booster vaccinations (with the exception of rabies, which is required by law).Veterinarians who insist otherwise need to update themselves on the relatively new vaccination protocols published by the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Association of Feline Practitioners.
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