Vaccine Recommendation Schedule Based on Age at Initial Vaccination and Lifestyle of Dog
Canine age
The canine is weeks old.
Core
Core vaccinations are recommended to all dogs regardless of lifestyle, as they protect against diseases that are serious or may be fatal and are easily spread from pet to pet.
Due now
Distemper (Combination DA2PP)
NOTES |
|
Route |
SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Administer every 2 to 4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. |
Booster |
Administer a single dose of a combination vaccine within 1 year following the last dose in the initial vaccination series. Administer subsequent boosters at intervals of 3 years. |
Distemper (Combination DA2PP)
NOTES |
|
Route |
SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. |
Booster |
Administer a single dose of a combination vaccine within 1 year following the last dose in the initial vaccination series. Administer subsequent boosters at intervals of 3 years. |
Rabies
NOTES |
REQUIRED BY LAW For state-specific information, see Vaccine Resources. |
Route |
SQ or IM |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Administer a single dose. |
Booster |
Administer within 1 year following the initial dose. The interval between subsequent doses is determined by the product label of the last vaccine dose administered (i.e., either 1 yr or 3 yr) and local, state, or provincial law. |
Due later
Distemper (Combination DA2PP)
NOTES |
Labeled for dogs older than 6 weeks of age. |
Rabies
NOTES |
First dose should be given at 12 weeks or as required by local, state or provincial law. For state-specific information, see Canine Vaccine Resources. |
Noncore
Noncore vaccines are recommended by a veterinarian based on the risk of the dog’s exposure to specific viruses and bacteria, often based on the lifestyle or environment of the dog.
Due now
Bordetella bronchiseptica + Canine Parainfluenza Virus (intranasal)
NOTES |
The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. |
Route |
Intranasal |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
A single dose is indicated for dogs at risk of exposure. (Maternal-derived antibody (MDA) does not interfere with the immune response following mucosal vaccines) |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Bordetella bronchiseptica only (intranasal)
NOTES |
The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. |
Route |
Intranasal |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
A single dose is indicated for dogs at risk of exposure. (Maternal-derived antibody (MDA) does not interfere with the immune response following mucosal vaccines) |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Bordetella bronchiseptica only (intranasal)
NOTES |
The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. Dogs at risk of Bordetella are also at risk of parainfluenza virus and adenovirus-2 and should be vaccinated for all three pathogens. |
Route |
Intranasal |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
A single dose is indicated for dogs at risk of exposure. (Maternal-derived antibody (MDA) does not interfere with the immune response following mucosal vaccines) |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Canine Influenza-H3N8
NOTES |
Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk.Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. |
Route |
SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. NOTE - When vaccination is recommended, dogs intended to be housed in boarding kennels or day-care facilities should BEGIN the initial vaccination series 4 weeks prior to entry (2 weeks between the initial vaccines plus 2 weeks to allow time for a humoral immune response to develop). NOTE - See package insert for specific information in dogs 6-8 weeks of age. |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose within 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then every year thereafter. |
Canine Influenza-H3N2
NOTES |
Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. |
Route |
SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. NOTE - When vaccination is recommended, dogs intended to be housed in boarding kennels or day-care facilities should BEGIN the initial vaccination series 4 weeks prior to entry (2 weeks between the initial vaccines plus 2 weeks to allow time for a humoral immune response to develop). NOTE - See package insert for specific information in dogs 6-8 weeks of age. |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose within 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then every year thereafter. |
Bordetella bronchiseptica only (IN/PO)
NOTES |
The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. Dogs at risk of Bordetella are also at risk of parainfluenza virus and adenovirus-2 and should be vaccinated for all three pathogens. |
Route |
IN or PO |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
A single dose given intranasally or orally in the buccal pouch (as appropriate for the selected vaccine) is indicated for dogs at risk of exposure. (Maternal-derived antibody (MDA) does not interfere with the immune response following mucosal vaccines) |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Bordetella bronchiseptica only (SQ)
NOTES |
The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. Dogs at risk of Bordetella are also at risk of parainfluenza virus and adenovirus-2 and should be vaccinated for all three pathogens. |
Route |
SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Canine Influenza-H3N8
NOTES |
Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. |
Route |
SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. NOTE - When vaccination is recommended, dogs intended to be housed in boarding kennels or day-care facilities should BEGIN the initial vaccination series 4 weeks prior to entry (2 weeks between the initial vaccines plus 2 weeks to allow time for a humoral immune response to develop). |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose within 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then every year thereafter. |
Canine Influenza-H3N2
NOTES |
Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. |
Route |
SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. NOTE - When vaccination is recommended, dogs intended to be housed in boarding kennels or day-care facilities should BEGIN the initial vaccination series 4 weeks prior to entry (2 weeks between the initial vaccines plus 2 weeks to allow time for a humoral immune response to develop). |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose within 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then every year thereafter. |
Leptospira
NOTES |
4-serovar
|
Route |
SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then annually thereafter. |
Canine Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)
Route |
SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule |
Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. If being administered because of travel to a Lyme disease-endemic area, administer 2 to 4 weeks apart, with the last dose being administered 2 to 4 weeks prior to travel. |
Booster |
Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then annually thereafter. |
Due later
Canine Influenza-H3N8
NOTES |
Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. Labelled for dogs older than 6 weeks of age. |
Canine Influenza-H3N2
NOTES |
Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. Labelled for dogs older than 6 weeks of age. |
Leptospira
NOTES |
4-serovar
Start at 12 weeks old. |
Canine Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)
NOTES |
Labelled for dogs older than 8 weeks of age. |
Definitions
IM (intramuscular): Injected into the muscle using a sterile needle.
IN (intranasal): Sprayed or administered into the nose. It is not injected into the nose with a needle.
PO (orally): Sprayed or administered orally. It is not injected into the mouth with a needle.
SQ (subcutaneous): Injected under the skin using a sterile needle.
NOTE: Administration of multiple doses of parenteral vaccine at the same appointment, particularly among small breed dogs (≤ 10 kg), may increase the risk of an acute-onset adverse reaction. Alternative vaccination schedules may be indicated, e.g., delaying administration of a noncore vaccine by 2 weeks following administration of core vaccines or by administering combination vaccines, since adverse reactions generally occur in response to proteins in the vaccines rather than the vaccine antigens.
*The information in this website is intended as a guideline only, not an AAHA standard of care. These guidelines and recommendations should not be construed as dictating an exclusive protocol, course of treatment, or procedure. Variations in practice may be warranted based on the needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitations unique to each individual practice setting. Evidence-based support for specific recommendations has been cited whenever possible and appropriate. Other recommendations are based on practical clinical experience and a consensus of expert opinion. Further research is needed to document some of these recommendations. Because each case is different, veterinarians must base their decisions on the base available scientific evidence in conjunction with their own knowledge and experience. Variance between manufacturer recommendations as they are published in the product Package Insert and Task Force recommendations occasionally occur. In each case, Task Force recommendations have been reviewed with the appropriate manufacturer(s).
Vaccine Recommendation Schedule
Based on Age of Weeks at Initial Vaccination and Lifestyle of Dog
CORE:
Core vaccinations are recommended to all dogs regardless of lifestyle, as they protect against diseases that are serious or may be fatal and are easily spread from pet to pet.
DUE NOW:
Notes:
|
Route: SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule:Administer every 2 to 4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. |
Booster: Administer a single dose of a combination vaccine within 1 year following the last dose in the initial vaccination series. Administer subsequent boosters at intervals of 3 years. |
Notes:
|
Route: SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. |
Booster: Administer a single dose of a combination vaccine within 1 year following the last dose in the initial vaccination series. Administer subsequent boosters at intervals of 3 years. |
Notes: REQUIRED BY LAW For state-specific information, see Canine Vaccine Resources. |
Route: SQ or IM (depending on product insert) |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: Administer a single dose. |
Booster: Administer within 1 year following the initial dose. The interval between subsequent doses is determined by the product label of the last vaccine dose administered (i.e., either 1 yr or 3 yr) and local, state, or provincial law. |
DUE LATER:
Notes:
|
Notes: First dose should be given at 12 weeks or as required by local, state or provincial law. For state-specific information, see Canine Vaccine Resources. |
NONCORE:
Noncore vaccines are recommended by a veterinarian based on the risk of the dog’s exposure to specific viruses and bacteria, often based on the lifestyle or environment of the dog.
DUE NOW:
Notes: The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. |
Route: Intranasal |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: A single dose is indicated for dogs at risk of exposure. (Maternal-derived antibody (MDA) does not interfere with the immune response following mucosal vaccines) |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Notes: The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. |
Route: Intranasal |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: A single dose is indicated for dogs at risk of exposure. (Maternal-derived antibody (MDA) does not interfere with the immune response following mucosal vaccines) |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Notes: The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. Dogs at risk of Bordetella are also at risk of parainfluenza virus and adenovirus-2 and should be vaccinated for all three pathogens. |
Route: Intranasal |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: A single dose is indicated for dogs at risk of exposure. (Maternal-derived antibody (MDA) does not interfere with the immune response following mucosal vaccines) |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Notes: Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. |
Route: SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. NOTE - When vaccination is recommended, dogs intended to be housed in boarding kennels or day-care facilities should BEGIN the initial vaccination series 4 weeks prior to entry (2 weeks between the initial vaccines plus 2 weeks to allow time for a humoral immune response to develop). NOTE - See package insert for specific information in dogs 6-8 weeks of age. |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose within 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then every year thereafter. |
Notes: Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. |
Route: SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. NOTE - When vaccination is recommended, dogs intended to be housed in boarding kennels or day-care facilities should BEGIN the initial vaccination series 4 weeks prior to entry (2 weeks between the initial vaccines plus 2 weeks to allow time for a humoral immune response to develop). NOTE - See package insert for specific information in dogs 6-8 weeks of age. |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose within 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then every year thereafter. |
Notes: The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. |
Route: IN or PO (depending on product insert) |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: A single dose given intranasally or orally in the buccal pouch (as appropriate for the selected vaccine) is indicated for dogs at risk of exposure. (Maternal-derived antibody (MDA) does not interfere with the immune response following mucosal vaccines) |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Notes: The type of Bordetella vaccine administered depends on veterinary clinical judgement and availability. Dogs at risk of Bordetella are also at risk of parainfluenza virus and adenovirus-2 and should be vaccinated for all three pathogens. |
Route: SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following the last dose administered, then annually thereafter. |
Notes: Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. |
Route: SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. NOTE - When vaccination is recommended, dogs intended to be housed in boarding kennels or day-care facilities should BEGIN the initial vaccination series 4 weeks prior to entry (2 weeks between the initial vaccines plus 2 weeks to allow time for a humoral immune response to develop). |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose within 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then every year thereafter. |
Notes: Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. |
Route: SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. NOTE - When vaccination is recommended, dogs intended to be housed in boarding kennels or day-care facilities should BEGIN the initial vaccination series 4 weeks prior to entry (2 weeks between the initial vaccines plus 2 weeks to allow time for a humoral immune response to develop). |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose within 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then every year thereafter. |
Notes: 4-serovar
|
Route: SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then annually thereafter. |
Route: SQ |
Initial Vaccine Schedule: Give two initial doses administered 2 to 4 weeks apart. If being administered because of travel to a Lyme disease-endemic area, administer 2 to 4 weeks apart, with the last dose being administered 2 to 4 weeks prior to travel. |
Booster: Where risk of exposure is sustained, administer a single dose 1 year following completion of the initial 2-dose series, then annually thereafter. |
DUE LATER:
Notes: Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. Labelled for dogs older than 6 weeks of age. |
Notes: Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Monitoring of the current circulation of canine influenza should be used to determine risk. Labelled for dogs older than 6 weeks of age. |
Notes: 4-serovar
|
Notes: Labelled for dogs older than 8 weeks of age. |
DEFINITIONS:
IM (intramuscular): Injected into the muscle using a sterile needle.
IN (intranasal): Sprayed or administered into the nose. It is not injected into the nose with a needle.
PO (orally): Sprayed or administered orally. It is not injected into the mouth with a needle.
SQ (subcutaneous): Injected under the skin using a sterile needle.
NOTE: Administration of multiple doses of parenteral vaccine at the same appointment, particularly among small breed dogs (≤ 10 kg), may increase the risk of an acute-onset adverse reaction. Alternative vaccination schedules may be indicated, e.g., delaying administration of a noncore vaccine by 2 weeks following administration of core vaccines or by administering combination vaccines, since adverse reactions generally occur in response to proteins in the vaccines rather than the vaccine antigens.
*The information in this website is intended as a guideline only, not an AAHA standard of care. These guidelines and recommendations should not be construed as dictating an exclusive protocol, course of treatment, or procedure. Variations in practice may be warranted based on the needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitations unique to each individual practice setting. Evidence-based support for specific recommendations has been cited whenever possible and appropriate. Other recommendations are based on practical clinical experience and a consensus of expert opinion. Further research is needed to document some of these recommendations. Because each case is different, veterinarians must base their decisions on the base available scientific evidence in conjunction with their own knowledge and experience. Variance between manufacturer recommendations as they are published in the product Package Insert and Task Force recommendations occasionally occur. In each case, Task Force recommendations have been reviewed with the appropriate manufacturer(s).