Why do we have to booster vaccines?

Many pet owners have questions as to why their pet needs more than one vaccine and when. Your dog or cat is just like a baby with an immune system that is still growing and is not fully functional. Each vaccine helps to stimulate the immune system more, but the immune system can only respond so much. Your pet may be fully protected after one vaccine, or he may not even be fully protected after three vaccines.

The timing of the vaccines is important. Peak immune response is at 3-4 weeks (this is why we space our vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart). Another vaccine at this time builds upon the previous immune system response resulting in stronger immunity. Wait longer to vaccinate and the response will not be as great. That is why the timing of vaccines is so important. Also, it is not the number of vaccines that your pet gets, but the timing of them. This has to do with interference by maternal antibodies. It is recommended to carry out vaccines through 16-20 weeks of age. After your pet has been through his booster series, he will then get booster vaccines every 6-12 months.