Vaccinations are given to animals and people to prevent infections. They are usually administered by injection. They usually contain either a harmless version or less severe form of the illness that is being prevented OR dead parts of the real infection that is to be prevented. These are referred to as live and dead vaccines respectively.
When the immune system of the body comes into contact with the components of the vaccine, it starts to make antibodies to attack the disease. When a vaccinated animal is then exposed to the real disease, it can rapidly produce antibodies in vast quantities to attack the disease before it can cause serious illness.
Unfortunately not all animals (or people) will respond fully to vaccinations and therefore on very rare occasions they may not be able to protect an individual against the disease.
Some animals may develop a very mild form of the disease being vaccinated against when live vaccines are used. Some animals (like people) may also feel unwell for 24-48 hours after a vaccination and may be sleepy or be running a fever. Serious adverse reactions to vaccinations are extremely rare.
Kittens can start their vaccination course at 9 weeks old, puppies usually start at 8 weeks old and rabbits can start their vaccinations from 6 weeks old.
Most vaccinations need to be repeated at regular intervals to ensure the body does not "Forget" about the disease and therefore become susceptible again to illness.
Vaccinations available for the following species:
Dogs:
"Routine" Annual Vaccination protecting against: canine parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza and leptospirosis (canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae)
"Kennel Cough" vaccination protecting against bordetella
Rabies Vaccination (for pets travelling oversea)
Cats:
"Routine" Annual Vaccination against feline panleucopaenia, influenza and calici
"Routine" Annual Vaccination against feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
Rabies Vaccination (for pets travelling oversea)
Rabbits:
"Routine" Annual Vaccination against haemorrhagic viral disease (HVD)
"Routine" 6 monthly Vaccination against myxomatosis
Ferrets:
Ferrets are susceptible to canine distemper and we recommend using the vaccination licensed for use in dogs (but not licensed for use in ferrets) to vaccinate them against this illness.
For a guide to prices for some of these vaccinations CLICK HERE.
For information about taking your pet abroad CLICK HERE.
