Safer Vaccinations for Companion Animals

Many companion animals are becoming sick, in some cases dying, simply due to a type of veterinary care that would normally save our pets lives ... routine vaccinations. The two most serious adverse reactions include Feline Vaccine Associated Sarcoma (VAS), a cancerous tumor that forms at the injection-site and Canine Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA). Despite extremely aggressive and costly treatment protocols, both VAS and AIHA can be deadly.

In addition to discussing the benefits of vaccinations, it is imperative veterinarians also educate their clients concerning the associated risks as well. Pet owners need to make educated decisions regarding the care of their beloved pets. It is our opinion that standardized handouts describing the benefits and risks of vaccinations are warranted and should be distributed by veterinarians to all animal lovers. In addition, standardized vaccination waivers should also be available for caretakers whose animals are prone to adverse reactions. This also applies to animals with chronic health conditions to insure that caretakers are not penalized for taking the necessary medical precautions.

We also recommend a "truth in labeling" law for Rabies vaccines. Unbeknown to many animal lovers, and with the USDA's approval, some three-year rabies vaccines are relabeled and used as one year products. Pet owners are generally unaware of the fact that their animals are being over-vaccinated by receiving a full three-year dose every year.

We also strongly believe that a "veterinary vaccine injury act" should be enacted. This fund would help compensate families who have suffered negative consequences of any vaccination mandated by law, as well as help fund development of safer vaccines and vaccine technology, such as:
1. alternative routes of administration (such as intranasal);
2. blood titer tests to determine immunity;
3. duration of immunity studies;
4. tests to determine which animals are prone to adverse vaccination reactions.

The government, in cooperation with the veterinary professional community, should enact and enforce a "standard" set of administrative guidelines concerning: a). the frequency and location of any vaccination and b). accurate record keeping for both feline and canine vaccinations; taking into consideration each animal's lifestyle, health and age. Veterinarians should then be held accountable to this "standard of care".

Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.