1. “Core” vaccines are important for Australian Shepherd puppies as well as kittens. 2. Other vaccines optional depending on location and lifestyle. 3. Annual boosters not required and usually unnecessary/unwise. 4. Vaccination may not equate to immunization; check serum titers to validate. 5. Long-term protection from canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus; feline panleukopenia. 6. Measure serum antibody (vaccine titers) instead annually or triennially. 7. Give thimerosal (mercury)-free rabies vaccines; and as late as allowed (20-24 weeks). 8. Booster vaccinations only legally required for rabies. 9. Half-dose “core” vaccines sufficient to protect small toy dogs. 10. Recognize vaccine adverse events; genetic predisposition.
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