VACCINATION Dogs developed Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (a disease where the body rejects its own blood) after annual vaccinations. This syndrome has been shown to be associated with annual vaccinations. Less than 50% of dogs with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia survive. "Booster vaccines" or annual re-administration of modified live virus vaccines like distemper and parvo virus do not provide added protection. In previously vaccinated adult animals antibodies from previous vaccinations block the new vaccine. Antibody levels are not increased, memory cells are not increased. The duration of immunity for modified live virus vaccines like K9 Distemper and Parvovirus have been proven to be 7 years by challenge and 15 and 7 years respectively by serology. Memory cells probably persist for life. Titers of antibody levels do not accurately predict immunity or lack of immunity. There is no Scientific Data to support manufacturers label directions to re-administer MLV vaccines annually. Vaccines are not harmless. Modified live vaccines for diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper provide lifetime immunity when administered to adult ( >6 mo) dogs and cats. There is no justification for vaccination of dogs for corona virus Immunity is not controlled entirely by antibody levels as we once thought. Immunity is controlled by memory cells. Memory cells are B and T lymphocytes. These are white blood cells which stand ready in the body to respond with protective antibodies when challenged by a disease agent. Memory cells, once programmed, persist for the lifetime of the animal. Therefore it is possible to have low antibody levels (or titer) and still have protective immunity. Dogs' immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (i.e. canine distemper, parvo) Modified live virus vaccines must replicate to stimulate the immune system. If another MLV vaccine is given, the antibodies from the first vaccine block the replication of the new virus. The actively acquired immunity in effect neutralizes the antigens of second vaccine, and there is little or no effect. The titer (level of immunity) is not "boosted" nor are memory cells expanded. Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary (, they subject the pet to the potential risk of adverse reactions like allergic reactions, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (a disease where the dog rejects its' own blood).   There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of modified live virus vaccines. Puppies receive antibodies through their mother's milk (colostrum) the very first time they nurse. This natural protection can last up to 8 - 14 weeks. Puppies should not be vaccinated at less than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine & only a few (0 -35%) will be protected. Unfortunately, taking this unprotected baby out of the house and to a veterinary clinic will expose it to parvovirus without protection. Vaccination at home by a breeder at 6 weeks may provide protection for some puppies (0 -35%) It is the not the vaccination at 6 weeks that is objectionable, but the increased risk of exposure to the Parvovirus you are trying to protect against. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccination of dogs for Distemper at to young of an age has been shown to cause Hypertropic Osteodystrophy, . Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is recommended starting at 8 weeks and given 3 - 4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another MLV vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year & 4 months) will provide lifetime immunity. Dogs no longer need to be vaccinated against Distemper and Parvo every year. Once the initial series of puppy vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are completed, immunity from MLV vaccines persists for life. Risk of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and allergic reactions are reduced by less frequent use of vaccines as well as by avoiding unnecessary vaccines such as Corona virus, Leptospirosis, and Lyme disease for dogs.