Canine Flu . . . . . Deb W.

Deb, my vet told me about an outbreak here.  I'm still on the fence about it.  Ask your vet how long till the vaccine has time to build the immunity.  Many take a few weeks to be effective so vaccinating at this point may not help.  I did ask my vet about the outbreak here and many of the 80 cases reported here were at one place.  But she also said that there have been dogs who got it who have never been boarded and dont go anywhere.  Sorry to not be much help. 

 Complications from the influenza are pneumonia and not all dogs get the complications.  Just like people with the flu.  Some feel like crap till it runs it's course and some do have complications which can be caused by other health or age related issues.  She didn't mention any serious vaccine reactions but like all vaccines, some dogs never react to any vaccine and some do.  Most vaccines for people or dogs are safe for the majority.

She told me it was a two-step process.  That the first shot will cover him for next week and then after we get back we can get the second which will cover him for a year.  Does that sound normal ??

Deb W.

I think she did say something along those lines but we were talking about vaccines in general when we we're discussing this and I can't be sure. 

Deb, I've been googling and according to most sites, 80% get the mild form.  It is a two step vaccine and full immunity isn't achieved for 30 days after vaccination.  Dogs that are vaccinated may still get the flu but a milder form. 

Spip & Flem both get the Canine flu vaccine because the boarding place requires it. There had been several cases in our area which prompted the requirement.

They got an initial shot and a booster three weeks later (in 2010). After that it is a yearly booster.

They have not had any negative reaction so far. If I did not have to be able to board them anytime in case of emergencies, I would not do it but I figure that as long as I have to do it, it is better to keep it current.

JackieG

Ask your vet how long till the vaccine has time to build the immunity.  Many take a few weeks to be effective so vaccinating at this point may not help.

Absolutely what she said.  When we got Charlie down here on Pet Airways they *stressed* to please NOT just get a vaccine on your way to drop the dog off - not just because immunity is definitely not built that quickly, but because the dogs shed the virus in their *** for a couple of weeks after the shot to vax done without enough time for immunity to form and the body to respond can put other dogs at risk too. 

You may want to call your boarding facility to see how *they* feel. 

I have no clue if it's a live vaccine or not -- probably is.  So if it gives them a mild case of the flu while they are building immunity that might alter your decision.  Your vet should be able to tell you what's best for him.

rwbeagles

human flu shots need to be boostered too s I recall.

The human flu vaccine is one time and no bootster is needed.  Maybe for young children it's different but not for adults. 

Most dogs have no immunity to canine influenza and that's one reason many vets are encouraging their clients to vaccinate to prevent widespread outbreaks in boarding facilities, doggie day cares, etc.  It's highly contagious and I've just about talked and researched myself into vaccinating my dogs.  I rarely board them but they are out and about where other dogs roam. 

Jamison got his flu shot yesterday.  He rarely has any reactions to shots and/or medications, with the exceptions of steroids, so I figured it was better to be safe than sorry. 

Thanks for your help guys !!

Deb W.