As pet owners, we're often faced with conflicting information about vaccines. Some sources share facts, while others spread confusion. Understanding the truth about pet vaccines is key to keeping your pets happy and healthy. We're here to help you recognize and avoid common pet vaccine myths so you can make the best decisions for you and your pet.

Common Pet Vaccine Myths

Vaccines Make Pets Sick

Vaccines have an excellent safety record – their benefits outweigh the risks. Vaccines are safer than ever, reflected in the fact that reaction rates have declined by about half over the last 15 years.¹ Vaccine manufacturers have worked hard to minimize adverse reactions while protecting pets from serious diseases.

While pets can have vaccine reactions, the rate is far less common than pet owners may realize. For cats, the adverse reaction rate within 30 days of vaccination is only 0.52%.² Lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, and injection site inflammation have been the most commonly reported adverse reactions. An adverse reaction was more likely to occur when multiple vaccines were given at one time.

For dogs, data has shown only 18.4 vaccine-associated adverse reactions for every 10,000 vaccines given.¹ These might include fever, lethargy, or allergic reactions like itchy rashes or anaphylaxis.

Vaccines Are Not Necessary for Indoor-Only Pets

In the United States, almost all states require rabies vaccines for dogs and cats, regardless of whether they are strictly indoor or not. Core vaccines are recommended for cats, even if they're indoor-only, for several reasons.

• Escapes. Cats still have access to the outdoors if they escape or while traveling.
• Safety of other pets and people. Grooming and boarding facilities, airports, and hotels require core and even some non-core vaccines for both human and pet safety. Some viruses, such as rabies, are fatal to pets and humans. Other pathogens are highly contagious, airborne spread, and can be very difficult to eliminate from the environment once present.

• Things we bring in. People can bring viruses or bacteria into the home on shoes or clothes.
• Things other dogs bring in. Play dates inside with other dogs can put indoor-only dogs at risk.
• Airborne viruses. While some viruses are spread via direct contact, others are airborne transmission. If your dog is kept from direct contact with other dogs, they can still become infected through fences, sharing water bowls, or toys.
• Requirements. If you want to adopt a rescue pet, most rescues require your current pets to be vaccinated.

Even if you never plan to board your dog, emergencies happen. It is always better to plan ahead and protect your pet.

Older Pets Don’t Need Vaccines

Pets who have been fully vaccinated throughout their lives have little risk of developing the infectious diseases they were vaccinated for. But "little" doesn't mean "no" risk.

Older pets are more prone to medical issues. This can weaken their immune system causing them to be more susceptible to other diseases, many of which they can be vaccinated against. Without vaccination, they are at greater risk of infection and if they also have underlying medical issues, the consequences can be serious.

Veterinarians Recommend Unnecessary Vaccines

Veterinarians take an oath that states they will use scientific knowledge to benefit society through the protection of animal health and to prevent and provide relief of animal suffering. They also vow to practice conscientiously, with dignity, and with medical ethics.

Veterinarians develop vaccine protocols based on current evidence-based guidelines and then tailor them to your individual pet's risk factors and lifestyle.

By Skipping Vaccines, Pet Owners Can Save Money

Vaccinating a perfectly healthy pet may seem like a waste of money, but vaccines help prevent illnesses that can be very costly to treat or, worse yet, can be fatal.
Treating a dog for parvovirus is estimated to cost between $1,000 and $3,000³. In addition to costing less ($30 to $40), vaccinating prevents your dog from discomfort and pain if they get parvo.

Getting your pets vaccinated is very important and the benefits typically outweigh the risks. Work with your veterinarian to determine which vaccines your pet needs and raise any questions you may have.