Vaccination Adverse Events (AEs)
Vaccines are a complex, and heated topic, so I thought I'd spend some time revieving the AAHA Updated Canine Vaccine Guideline Report.
It contains specific details on side effects, or what they call 'Adverse Events.' They make the statement that:
"Vaccine AEs (Adverse Events) are underreported in veterinary medicine."
Meaning there are far more side effects than what is 'published,' as they are NOT reported.
Here is some of what they have to say about side effects:
"Vaccines are biologic products and, as such, provoke a series of complex immune reactions that may culminate in rapid-onset side effects lasting from a few hours to a few days. Rarely do these selflimiting side effects escalate into serious AEs (SAEs)."
For this reason, veterinarians are encouraged to inform clientele that their pet, regardless of breed or size, may manifest transient side effects for up to 2 and possibly 3 days after administration of any vaccine or any combination of vaccines.
Side effects commonly observed include:
- Reduced or loss of appetite (lasting for one or two feedings), pain at the injection site, lethargy (lack of activity), reluctance to walk and/or run, and mild fever.
- Treatment is usually not indicated; however, some veterinarians have reported administering short-term symptomatic treatment (e.g., a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID).
- I recommended that you contact the practice in the event any physical and/or behavioral manifestations progressively worsen or continue beyond 2-3 days; you should contact the practice at any time if signs of systemic illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, facial swelling, collapse or difficulty breathing develop.
Serious Side Effects
Injection-site reactions – lumps (abscess, granuloma, seroma), pain, swelling, hair loss associated with ischemic vasculitis
- Transient postvaccinal nonspecific illness – lethargy, anorexia, fever, regional lymphadenomegaly, soreness, abortion, encephalitis,polyneuritis, arthritis, seizures, behavioral changes, hairloss or color change at the injection site, respiratory disease
- Allergic (hypersensitivity) and immune-mediated reactions:
- Type 1 (acute anaphylaxis) – angioedema (especially the head), anaphylaxis (shock), and death
- Type 2 (cytolytic) – immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (suspected only; causality has not been confirmed)
- Type 3 (immune-complex) – cutaneous ischemic vasculopathy associated with rabies vaccine, corneal edema ("blue-eye") associated with CAV-1 vaccine, immune-mediated disease
- Tumorigenesis – vaccine-associated sarcoma or other tumors
- Multisystemic infectious/inflammatory disorder of young Weimaraner dogs – may be genetically linked to both a poorly characterized immunodeficiency and to autoimmune disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism and hypertrophic osteodystrophy or HOD that is detected shortly after vaccination)
- Vaccine-induced immunosuppression – associated with first or second dose of combination MLV vaccines containing CDVand CAV-1 or CAV-2 with or without other vaccines (e.g., CPV-2, CPI); immunosuppression begins 3 days after vaccination and persists for 7-10 days; the suppression may be associated with increased susceptibility to other diseases.
Reactions caused by the incorrect or inappropriate administration of vaccine: fatalities have been reported after subcutaneous administration of an avirulent-live Bb bacterin (intended for IN administration); inadvertent or intentional administration of vaccine by the intravenous route.
Reactions associated with residual virulence attenuated vaccine:
- Postvaccinal sneezing associated with IN administration of attenuated vaccine (e.g., Bb 1 parainfluenza virus)
- Vaccine-induced interference with diagnostic tests: falsepositive polymerase chaine reaction (PCR) test results for parvovirus antigen in feces in dogs recently receiving a MLV parvovirus vaccine; not an adverse reaction
- Reversion of vaccine virus to a virulent pathogen – generally considered rare to nonexistent among currently licensed canine vaccines when vaccines are used in the species for which they were licensed; this can become a significant problem when vaccine is used in the wild and/or exotic animals.
So just HOW common are vaccine reactions?
Good question, but as the side effects are under-reported, we just don't know. No question FAR more common than what the reps of Big Pharma would tell you.
Which means you've got to really weigh the pros and cons of the vaccine.
ONLY give what is necessary.
Give it as infrequently as possible.
If you have a small dog or cat, I would ask your veterinarian about vaccine volume. WHY is it that a 160 lb. Great Dane would get the SAME volume of vaccine as a 3 lb. Chihuahua?
Makes no sense to me.
But in the AAHA Guidelines, they advise to give the SAME volume, regardless of weight.
More reasons for YOU to be especially cautious.
Ultimately, the point of vaccines are to PREVENT disease. There are MANY ways to do this, such as the use of neutraceuticals to boost and support your dog's immune system.
Source: Vaccine AEs (Adverse Events) are underreported
Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for almost 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.
