Although you may be used to getting your dog vaccinated every year against some diseases, there has been growing concern that dogs may be revaccinated or "boostered" too often. In fact, several studies have shown that some yearly vaccines may protect dogs for longer than 1 year and that vaccinating every year may have some unnecessary risks.1,2 Major universities and groups such as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) are now recommending vaccinations every 3 years against certain common or core diseases, including distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies.3
References
1. Klingborg DJ, Hustead DR, Curry-Galvin EA, et al. AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents’ report on cat and dog vaccines. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002;221:1401-1407.
2. Schultz RD. Current and future canine and feline vaccination programs. Vet Med. 1998;93:233-254.
3. Paul MA, Carmichael LE, Childers H, et al: 2006 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines. Accessed September 2006 at www.aahanet.org/About_aaha/vaccine_guidelines06.pdf.