Canine Health Concern
PO Box 7533, Rait, Perthshire PH2 1AD
Telephone 01821 670410
PRESS RELEASE
Leading Vets and Dog Owners Condemn Vaccine Manufacturer for
Promoting Unnecessary Vaccinations
This month, June 2009, has been designated National Vaccination Month by vaccine
manufacturer Intervet. The multi-national’s marketing campaign offers a discounted
full ‘starter’ series for dogs, cats and rabbits whose vaccines have lapsed by 18
months. Yet it has not been scientifically proven that dogs, cats and rabbits actually
need annual boosters, nor that they need to start the whole course again. Rather,
scientific studies show that dogs and cats, once immune, are unlikely to need
vaccinating again.
Thirty-three vets and doctors, from around the world, have signed an important letter
(attached) to clarify the science. They quote world veterinary bodies that have
announced publicly that annual vaccination is not necessary, and that it can be
harmful.
Concerned pet owners have signed another letter, asking that the veterinary
profession, regulatory bodies, pet charities and government stop promoting or
facilitating unnecessary and potentially harmful vaccines. Many of the signatories
have signed on behalf of the dogs who they believe were made ill, or died, as a result
of unnecessary shots.
“We are not suggesting that pets are left unprotected,” says Canine Health Concern’s
Catherine O’Driscoll. “We understand that everyone wants their pets to be protected
against deadly viral diseases. But we are asking that vets stop promoting and
administering unnecessary boosters. All medical procedures come with a risk – even
the humble aspirin – and no medical procedure should be performed without good
cause.”
Although three-year vaccines are now licensed, many vets in practice are sticking
with vaccines that have been licensed for only one year. The Veterinary Medicines
Directorate, which is supposedly meant to oversee the safety of veterinary products
on behalf of consumers, needs to take the science on board and ensure that the
public aren’t paying out money unnecessarily, and aren’t subjecting their family
friends to unjustified injections that have the potential to cause harm. The Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, the UK’s veterinary professional body, is also urged
to embrace the science and act to protect the safety of pets, thereby meriting the
trust of their clients.
Ends
9 June 2009
Press contact: Catherine O’Driscoll, telephone 01821 670410,
email [email protected].
PO Box 7533, Rait, Perthshire PH2 1AD
Telephone 01821 670410
PRESS RELEASE
Leading Vets and Dog Owners Condemn Vaccine Manufacturer for
Promoting Unnecessary Vaccinations
This month, June 2009, has been designated National Vaccination Month by vaccine
manufacturer Intervet. The multi-national’s marketing campaign offers a discounted
full ‘starter’ series for dogs, cats and rabbits whose vaccines have lapsed by 18
months. Yet it has not been scientifically proven that dogs, cats and rabbits actually
need annual boosters, nor that they need to start the whole course again. Rather,
scientific studies show that dogs and cats, once immune, are unlikely to need
vaccinating again.
Thirty-three vets and doctors, from around the world, have signed an important letter
(attached) to clarify the science. They quote world veterinary bodies that have
announced publicly that annual vaccination is not necessary, and that it can be
harmful.
Concerned pet owners have signed another letter, asking that the veterinary
profession, regulatory bodies, pet charities and government stop promoting or
facilitating unnecessary and potentially harmful vaccines. Many of the signatories
have signed on behalf of the dogs who they believe were made ill, or died, as a result
of unnecessary shots.
“We are not suggesting that pets are left unprotected,” says Canine Health Concern’s
Catherine O’Driscoll. “We understand that everyone wants their pets to be protected
against deadly viral diseases. But we are asking that vets stop promoting and
administering unnecessary boosters. All medical procedures come with a risk – even
the humble aspirin – and no medical procedure should be performed without good
cause.”
Although three-year vaccines are now licensed, many vets in practice are sticking
with vaccines that have been licensed for only one year. The Veterinary Medicines
Directorate, which is supposedly meant to oversee the safety of veterinary products
on behalf of consumers, needs to take the science on board and ensure that the
public aren’t paying out money unnecessarily, and aren’t subjecting their family
friends to unjustified injections that have the potential to cause harm. The Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, the UK’s veterinary professional body, is also urged
to embrace the science and act to protect the safety of pets, thereby meriting the
trust of their clients.
Ends
9 June 2009
Press contact: Catherine O’Driscoll, telephone 01821 670410,
email [email protected].