Common vaccine myths, debunked

Conversations about vaccines have never been more confusing — you've probably seen viewpoints swirling around in the news and even in your own neighborhood. To help clear up common misconceptions, we've enlisted Dr. Aliya McCullough, a licensed veterinarian and Fetch's Chief Veterinary Officer. Below, she delves into vaccine myths to ensure you have all the info you need to keep your pet healthy.

Myth #1: Vaccines are dangerous to pets

Truth: Vaccines are very safe for pets. The benefits far outweigh the risks because they don't just safeguard pets — they also reduce risks to humans. Diseases like rabies and leptospirosis can be passed from pets to people. Vaccine reactions are rare and occur about 13 - 18 times for every 10,000 vaccine doses given. These reactions can range from normal (minor pain at the injection site, slight fever, decreased energy) to serious anaphylactic reactions. Severe reactions are extremely rare.

Myth #2: Pets that never go outside don't need vaccines

Truth: Even if your pet spends most of their time indoors, they are still at risk for getting sick from vaccine-preventable illnesses like leptospirosis, Lyme disease, kennel cough, rabies, FIV, FeLV, feline herpesvirus, feline panleukopenia and feline calicivirus. Plus, some vaccines, like rabies, are required by law. If your pet gets loose, they may come in contact with other animals or environments where these diseases are found. Your pet will also need vaccine protection when they visit the groomer, vet hospital or a boarding facility. And, unfortunately, certain germs can come home with us humans by attaching to our shoes and clothing.

Myth #3: Smaller pets should get a smaller amount of vaccine

Truth: While veterinary medications, supplements, etc. are prescribed based on the weight of your pet, vaccines are not designed that way. A vaccine stimulates the immune system to make immune cells and antibodies. The number of immune cells needed to respond does not change based on size.

Myth #4: Skipping shots saves money

Truth: Skipping vaccines may save you money in the short term but it can end up costing big in the long run. Illnesses like parvovirus or leptospirosis can be very serious and result in intensive care and overnight hospital stays, which really add up. Not only will your pet be missing out on important illness protection, but vaccines are typically part of an annual wellness exam. This is a critical time for veterinarians to examine your pet. Animals, especially cats, are very good at hiding signs of illness, and an examination can pick up on subtle changes and detect illnesses earlier. Annual wellness visits are also a great time to ask questions about behavior, nutrition and other health topics.

Myth #5: Pets don't need vaccines, they can just have a titer done instead

Truth: Vaccine titers only measure antibodies for certain diseases and don’t provide any disease protection. They're also more expensive and not always reliable. Titers can only be used for canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia virus (FVP).  Rabies vaccine is legally required to be given on schedule regardless of a pet’s antibody levels.

Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your pets — and your whole family — from serious, sometimes fatal, diseases. Your vet is the best guide to creating a tailored vaccine plan based on your pet’s age, breed, disease history, lifestyle and location. While 100% protection doesn’t exist, vaccines can lessen the severity in the event that your pet contracts a disease. By staying on a preventive care schedule, you’re giving your pet the best defense — and getting peace of mind for your whole family.