WHY VETERINARY HOSPITALS DO NOT ACCEPT FEED STORE OR MAIL ORDER VACCINES AS A MEANS OF PROPER VACCINATION

Vaccine selection should be determined by manufacturer reputation, proper care and storage by the dispensing business, and age and physical condition of the pet.

There are many drug companies that manufacture vaccines.  Not all vaccines, very much like pet foods, are of the same quality.  Veterinarians choose which vaccines to use based on quality, safety, and effectiveness.  These determinations are made based on research, trial and field studies, and safety trials.  Drug companies pay a lot of money for this research to be done and that cost is passed onto the cost of the vaccinations.  Cheaper is definitely not better. 

Cheaper vaccines also may be less “pure” and could cause more reactions.  Some vaccine reactions can be severe and potentially fatal to our pets.  Over the counter vaccines probably are not as good and sometimes not as safe as the vaccines used by veterinarians.

Veterinarians also buy vaccines only from companies that they trust.  The vaccines that we use have been used for many years with excellent results.  They have been shown to provide superior protection.

For a product to be legally obtainable without a Doctor’s prescription (over the counter) usually means the product is so benign, weak, or inconsequential that even if the owner abuses the recommended dosage or uses it on an animal for the wrong purpose, or when the animal has other conflicting problems or medications, it won’t cause problems.  The whole purpose of vaccines is to prevent severe illness and death.  Saving a few dollars is nothing compared to spending hundreds of dollars to treat parvo, or losing your pet.  You certainly wouldn’t vaccinate or treat your child without medical supervision by a Doctor would you?

The type and timing of vaccinations is based upon evaluation of each individual pet.  When they are young, it is important for them to get a series of vaccinations, each given at the correct time.  This is so that the pet’s immune system can provide complete protection.

Veterinarians require that all animals being boarded, groomed, or undergoing surgery have proof of proper vaccinations.  This is to ensure the safety not only of your pet, but also all of the pets in our hospital.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.