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Important Information on the
Dangers of Annual Vaccinations.
Does your veterinarian insist on annual vaccines? If so, you
should seek another opinion.
When it comes to vaccinating their pet, some pet owners rely on
veterinary advice and make their decisions based on that information.
But is this information reliable? Many concerned owners have heard or
read about the risks associated with vaccines and have taken it upon
themselves to research the subject further, usually to discover some
very disturbing information about the harm caused by vaccines, including
the development of cancerous tumors, chronic allergies, arthritis,
autoimmune diseases, seizures, behavioral problems, respiratory
infections and even death. There is substantial evidence that
vaccinations can be a devastating assault on the immune systems of our
pets and may be responsible for the vast array of health problems
mentioned. Why then do some veterinarians continue to recommend annual
vaccines? Particularly for indoor cats who have little risk of
contracting disease?
Many veterinarians are asking their profession to end the policy of
annual vaccination due to growing evidence that annual vaccines are
scientifically unnecessary and may cause harm. There is growing evidence
that a single vaccine will provide protection for life. It has been
suggested that the policy of routinely administering vaccinations is
maintained in order to protect veterinary and drug company incomes
rather than to promote the health of their patients. There is
overwhelming scientific data to support this suggestion and we encourage
you to become educated about the choices available with regards to the
vaccination of your indoor cats.
We urge you to click here to read
Vaccinations for Cats, Helpful or Harmful?,
by Dr. Don Hamilton, DVM and author of Homeopathic Care for Cats and
Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals. Read why he is opposed to
vaccinations in virtually all cases and why there is almost never a need
for booster immunization.
The following is what other holistic veterinarians are saying: (click on
their name to go directly to their website)
Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D
It gradually dawned on me that the underlying problem in some of my
difficult cases was a state of illness that had been induced by
vaccination. Most of us are aware that vaccine-caused diseases — such as
immune disorders, bleeding problems, tumor formation — are recently
receiving attention from the allopathic community. However, the premise
that these are exceptions to a basically safe procedure is not the same
viewpoint as that which I am presenting to you today.
Dr. Charles Loops, DVM
Homeopathic veterinarians and other holistic practitioners have maintained
for years that vaccinations are doing harm. Aside from the immediate risk
of vaccination side effects, such as allergic reactions and anaphylactic
shock, there are more compelling reasons to avoid vaccinations whenever
possible. Vaccinations represent a major assault on the body's immune
system.
Jean Hofve, D.V.M Animal Protection Institute
Veterinarians can be very resistant to change. Unfortunately, the weight
of this inertia, added to the potential loss of revenue from vaccines, has
resulted in little overall shift toward less vaccination among
practitioners. Well documented, adverse effects include feline
vaccine-induced fibrosarcomas (a malignant connective tissue tumor), which
form at the injection site, and auto-immune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in
dogs.
Dee Blanco, D.V.M
I have spent a good amount of time in the last 12 of my 19 years as a
vet, studying the issue of vaccinations. During this time, in my holistic
vet practice, I have been able to see the clinical manifestations and
harmful effects of the use and abuse of vaccinations.
Vets Speak
Out!
In January 2004 the following letter appeared in the Vet Times, U.K.,
signed by over 30 veterinarians pleading for a review of routine
vaccination protocols. It is reprinted here with permission and a note
from Catherine O’Driscoll, author of “What Vets Don’t Tell You About
Vaccines.”
Vaccine Info ~ UK Vets Speak Out
Open Letter to the Vet Times, UK - January 2004
Ten years after the start of the Canine Health Concern campaign to end
annual vaccination, the following letter appeared in Veterinary Times, UK
- at the end of January 2004. In the world of science, ten years is a very
short time in which to expect a sea of change. We and others whose dogs
have suffered vaccine reactions; we whose beloved friends have died and
suffered unnecessarily, have been pilloried and castigated for speaking
the truth for long enough now. Time to take this letter to your vet; time
to post it to other vets in your neighbourhood; time to show this letter
to all the pet lovers you meet in the park or at classes. Time to get the
truth out there once and for all. Time to stop our beloved animals
suffering. Time to say 'YES!' - but not yet time to stop the campaign. We
shall not be finished until annual vaccination is a thing of the past.
I dedicate this post to my own dear friends who had to die for this letter
to appear in Veterinary Times: Oliver, Prudence and Samson, and to the
thousands, or even millions, of animals and children whose lives have been
terminated because people in scientific and veterinary communities saw a
way to make a quick annual buck.
My respect and gratitude go to the courageous veterinarians who have
signed the letter below.
Catherine O'Driscoll
Please feel free to cross post far and wide:
Letter from UK Vets which appeared in Vet Times, UK January 2004
Dear Editor:
We, the undersigned, would like to bring to your attention our
concerns in the light of recent new evidence regarding vaccination
protocol.
The American Veterinary Medical Association Committee’s report this
year states that 'the one year revaccination recommendation frequently
found on many vaccination labels is based on historical precedent, not
scientific data'.
In JAVMA in 1995, Smith notes that 'there is evidence that some
vaccines provide immunity beyond one year. In fact, according to
research there is no proof that many of the yearly vaccinations are
necessary and that protection in many instances may be life long';
also, 'Vaccination is a potent medical procedure with both benefits
and risks for the patient'; further that, 'Revaccination of patients
with sufficient immunity does not add measurably to their disease
resistance, and may increase their risk of adverse post-vaccination
events.'
Finally, he states that: 'Adverse events may be associated with the
antigen, adjuvant, carrier, preservative or combination thereof.
Possible adverse events include failure to immunize, anaphylaxis,
immunosuppression, autoimmune disorders, transient infections and/or
long-term infected carrier states.'
The report of the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine
Taskforce in JAAHA (39 March/April 2003) is also interesting reading:
'Current knowledge supports the statement that no vaccine is always
safe, no vaccine is always protective and no vaccine is always
indicated';
'Misunderstanding, misinformation and the conservative nature of our
profession have largely slowed adoption of protocols advocating
decreased frequency of vaccination'; 'Immunological memory provides
durations of immunity for core infectious diseases that far exceed the
traditional recommendations for annual vaccination. This is supported
by a growing body of veterinary information as well as well-developed
epidemiological vigilance in human medicine that indicates immunity
induced by vaccination is extremely long lasting and in.most cases,
lifelong.'
Further, the evidence shows that the duration of immunity for rabies
vaccine, canine distemper vaccine, canine parvovirus vaccine, feline
panleukopaenia vaccine, feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus
have all been demonstrated to be a minimum of seven years, by serology
for rabies and challenge studies for all others.
The veterinary surgeons below fully accept that no single achievement
has had greater impact on the lives and well being of our patients,
our clients and our ability to prevent infectious diseases than the
developments in annual vaccines. We, however, fully support the
recommendations and guidelines of the American Animal Hospitals
Association Taskforce, to reduce vaccine protocols for dogs and cats
such that booster vaccinations are only given every three years, and
only for core vaccines unless otherwise scientifically justified.
We further suggest that the evidence currently available will soon
lead to the following facts being accepted:
• The immune systems of dogs and cats mature fully at six months
and any modified live virus (MLV) vaccine given after that age
produces immunity that is good for the life of that pet.
• If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from
the first vaccine neutralize the antigens from the subsequent so
there is little or no effect; the pet is not 'boosted', nor are more
memory cells induced.
• Not only are annual boosters for canine parvovirus and distemper
unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic
reactions and immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia.
• There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for
annual administration of MLV vaccines.
• Puppies and kittens receive antibodies through their mothers'
milk. This natural protection can last eight to 14 weeks.
• Puppies and kittens should NOT be vaccinated at less than eight
weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little
protection will be produced. Vaccination at six weeks will, however,
DELAY the timing of the first effective vaccine.
• Vaccines given two weeks apart SUPPRESS rather than stimulate the
immune system.
This would give possible new guidelines as follows:
1. A series of vaccinations is given starting at eight weeks of
age (or preferably later) and given three to four weeks apart, up to
16 weeks of age.
2. One further booster is given sometime after six months of age and
will then provide life-long immunity.
In light of data now available showing the needless use and
potential harm of annual vaccination, we call on our profession to
cease the policy of annual vaccination.
Can we wonder that clients are losing faith in vaccination and
researching the issue themselves? We think they are right to do so.
Politics, tradition or the economic well being of veterinary surgeons
and pharmaceutical companies should not be a factor in making medical
decisions.
It is accepted that the annual examination of a pet is advisable. We
undervalue ourselves, however, if we hang this essential service on
the back of vaccination and will ultimately suffer the consequences.
Do we need to wait until we see actions against vets, such as those
launched in the state of Texas by Dr Robert Rogers? He asserts that
the present practice of marketing vaccinations for companion animals
constitutes fraud by misrepresentation, fraud by silence and theft by
deception.
The oath we take as newly qualified veterinary surgeons is 'to help,
or at least do no harm'. We wish to maintain our position within
society, and be deserving of the trust placed in us as a profession.
It is therefore our contention that those who continue to give annual
vaccinations in the light of new evidence may well be acting contrary
to the welfare of the animals committed to their care.
Yours faithfully,
Richard Allport, BVetMed, MRCVS
Sue Armstrong, MA BVetMed, MRCVS
Mark Carpenter, BVetMed, MRCVS
Sarah Fox-Chapman, MS, DVM, MRCVS
Nichola Cornish, BVetMed, MRCVS
Tim Couzens, BVetMed, MRCVS
Chris Day, MA, VetMB, MRCVS
Claire Davies, BVSc, MRCVS
Mark Elliott, BVSc, MRCVS
Peter Gregory, BVSc, MRCVS
Lise Hansen, DVM, MRCVS
John Hoare, BVSc, MRCVS
Graham Hines, BVSc, MRCVS
Megan Kearney, BVSc, MRCVS
Michelle L'oste Brown, BVetMed, MRCVS
Suzi McIntyre, BVSc, MRCVS
Siobhan Menzies, BVM&S, MRCVS
Nazrene Moosa, BVSc, MRCVS
Mike Nolan, BVSc, MRCVS
Ilse Pedler, MA, VetMB, BSc, MRCVS
John Saxton, BVetMed, MRCVS
Cheryl Sears, MVB, MRCVS
Jane Seymour, BVSc, MRCVS
Christine Shields, BVSc, MRCVS
Suzannah Stacey, BVSc, MRCVS
Phillip Stimpson, MA, VetMB, MRCVS
Nick Thompson, BSc, BVM&S, MRCVS
Lyn Thompson, BVSc, MRCVS
Wendy Vere, VetMB, MA, MRCVS
Anuska Viljoen, BVSc, MRCVS, and
Wendy Vink, BVSc, MRCVS
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In summary, the increasing number of reports, studies and opinions
regarding vaccine safety can be confusing for pet owners. A yearly
wellness examination by a veterinarian is an excellent practice, however
it need not include routine vaccination. We urge you to consult with a
holistic or homeopathic veterinarian to determine the best protocol for
your pet. A holistic veterinarian is less likely to support routine
vaccination, particularly for indoor cats.
To find a holistic veterinarian in
your area, visit the following websites:
Paws & Claws Pet Pantry’s Holistic Vets in Ontario
Pets4Life's
Canadian Holistic Veterinary Directory
Holistic Veterinary
Medical Association - Referral List
The Academy of
Veterinary Homeopathy Referral List
Further recommended reading and
resources:
Vaccinations
http://mythicaldanes.com/healthtraining/vaccsCO.html
Catherine O’Driscoll, author of “What Vets Don’t Tell You About Vaccines”
Vaccine Recommendations
http://www.charlesloopsdvm.com/VaccRec.htm
Dr. Charles Loop, DVM
Important! Information about vaccines that can save your cat’s life!
http://www.showcatsonline.com/x/info_about_vaccines.htm
Dr. James Richards, DVM, Director of the Cornell Feline Health Center
Information on Feline Vaccination Dangers and Concerns
http://www.blakkatz.com/vaccination.html
Michelle T. Bernard, Author of Raising Cats Naturally
Is Your Pet Dying From Over-Vaccination Due to Vet Economics?
http://www.next2kin.org/vaccination.htm
Next-to-Kin Foundation
Vaccination Decisions
http://www.altvetmed.com/articles/vaccinations.html
Susan Wynne, DVM, AltVetMed.com
THE BIG SCAM--Rabies Vaccination
http://www.naturalrearing.com/ARTICLES/GuestAuthors/RABIESSCAM.html
Dr. John Fudens, D.V.M., NaturalRearing.com
Has The Time Come For A Veterinary Vaccine Injury Act?
http://www.geocities.com/~kremersark/macy.html
Dennis W. Macy, DVM, MS, President-Elect and Diplomate ACVIM - Oncology
Are We Vaccinating Too Much?
http://www.api4animals.org/560.htm
By Elizabeth Colleran, D.V.M., Animal Protection Institute
Vaccination in Animals
http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.asp?PageType=Article&ID=485
Vets who believe vaccines are damaging our pets, from International
Vaccination Newsletter
The Truth About Vaccines
http://www.truthaboutvaccines.org/
Dedicated to providing information about the dangers of vaccinations for
pets.
Health Hazard of Routine Vaccination: placing our animals at risk
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petvacc.htm
Shirley’s-Wellness-Cafe
Pet Vaccinations, a CBC Report
http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/health/petvax/
Producer: Sharon Hanson
Education Before Vaccination
http://www.catshots.com/
From Catshots.com
Vaccinating Your Pet: What's an Owner To Do?
http://www.worldwidehealthcenter.net/articles-298.html
Worldwide Health Center
Information E-Groups:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jstsayno2vaccs/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TruthAboutVaccines/

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