Rabies: Disease and Prevention
Rabies
- Disease that affects the brain and is always fatal once symptoms develop.
- All dogs and cats are at risk.
- Animals can exhibit tremors and weakness as well as drastic changes in behavior such as extreme aggression.
- There is no treatment.
- Prognosis is poor.
- Wildlife carriers: Skunks, foxes, bats and others.
- Zoonotic disease: Humans can be infected from animals.
Rabies Vaccinology
When an animal receives its first vaccination, the immune system is primed and develops an immunity for a period of time. For Rabies vaccination, unlike most other vaccinations, that time span is about a year. After a year, another rabies vaccination should be given. Depending on the type of rabies vaccination, immunity will last for 1 or 3 years. in order to get a longer (three year) immune response, the 3 Yr. Rabies vaccine has a special "adjuvant." The adjuvant is that part of the vaccine that allows it to remain in the animal's body for awhile. So, the type of adjuvant is the main difference between the 1 year and 3 year Rabies vaccines.
When an animal receives its first vaccination, the immune system is primed and develops an immunity for a period of time. For Rabies vaccination, unlike most other vaccinations, that time span is about a year. After a year, another rabies vaccination should be given. Depending on the type of rabies vaccination, immunity will last for 1 or 3 years. in order to get a longer (three year) immune response, the 3 Yr. Rabies vaccine has a special "adjuvant." The adjuvant is that part of the vaccine that allows it to remain in the animal's body for awhile. So, the type of adjuvant is the main difference between the 1 year and 3 year Rabies vaccines.
Pros and Cons: 1 Year vs 3 Year
Scheduling may be easier with a 1 Yr. Rabies, since it would coincide with the annual exam and vaccinations. Otherwise, with the 3 Yr. Rabies you would have to keep track of two schedules.
On the other hand, getting a 3 Yr. Rabies would be more efficient and less expensive in the long run.
Both are equally safe and effective for their respective time periods.
Scheduling may be easier with a 1 Yr. Rabies, since it would coincide with the annual exam and vaccinations. Otherwise, with the 3 Yr. Rabies you would have to keep track of two schedules.
On the other hand, getting a 3 Yr. Rabies would be more efficient and less expensive in the long run.
Both are equally safe and effective for their respective time periods.