Canine vaccines: Get the updated guidelines

The 2011 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines offer a comprehensive review of canine vaccines currently available in North America, updated recommendations for core vs. noncore vaccines, and revised recommendations for shelter-housed dogs. The task force that developed the guidelines included experts in immunology, infectious diseases, internal medicine, law, and clinical practice.

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To help address common questions from practitioners about canine vaccination issues, a Frequently Asked Questions section was added to the guidelines. Also new:

• Updated recommendations on serologic testing

• Expanded discussion on vaccine adverse events

• Review of the legal implications associated with administering vaccines in clinical practice

• Full consideration of both U.S. and Canadian canine vaccination regulations

The updated guidelines were published in the September edition of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association and can be found online at aahanet.org/Library/CanineVaccine.aspx.