Title: Describe the factors involved in vaccination schedules.
Course: Veterinary Science II (18105-II) > Section: Understanding Disease and Disease Prevention

Description should include

- factors affecting efficacy of vaccines (e.g., presence of maternal antibodies, health status, breed predispositions, environmental risks)
- vaccination protocols established by AVMA, AAFP, AAEP, and local veterinary schools for selected species (e.g., dogs, cats, horses, ferrets)
- reasons for not vaccinating an animal (e.g., potential for anaphylaxis, chronic debilitating disease)
- use of antibody titers to assess immunity to certain diseases and avoid over-vaccination
- vaccinations dictated by state law or other legal mandates (e.g., interstate/international travel restrictions).

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is prevention preferred over treatment?
- Why is a vaccination schedule important to an animal's health?
- What factors should be considered in establishing a vaccination schedule for an animal?
- Why should animals younger than six weeks not receive vaccinations in most cases?
- How can a pet’s lifestyle affect the risk of contracting a disease?
- How does geography affect the vaccination guidelines for traveling pets?
- What factors should be considered when vaccinating young puppies?
- How often are booster vaccinations administered, and why might these recommendations change?
- What vaccinations are required by law to be administered by a certain age? Why?