Vaccination Compatibility
Ensuring Your Pet’s Vaccines Work Effectively
When starting (or restarting) vaccination, in most cases, 2 doses of a vaccine are required to obtain maximum effect. These are usually given at an interval of 2-4 weeks, depending on the brand of vaccine used. The specific interval varies between brands, but it is important to adhere to the requirements listed.
If your pet received their first vaccination with another vet and is coming to Animal Trust Vets for the second dose, it's important to know which vaccine brand was used. This ensures the second dose we give is compatible and effective. If the brand is not compatible, you may need to restart the vaccination course again.
How do I know which brand of vaccination my pet had?
You can find the brand on your vaccination certificate which the previous veterinary practice provided. If not, contact the original practice for the information.
Why does the brand matter?
The two primary doses must be the same brand for full protection. Mixing brands isn’t advised, as it may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccination course.
What if a different brand was used for the first vaccination?
Your vet will advise during the consultation whether to restart the course or give just the second dose. There’s limited research on cross-brand compatibility so the best option to guarantee the vaccinations are effective is always to restart the course.
Do I have to stick to the same vaccine brand for the lifetime of my pet?
After completing the primary vaccination course, switching brands is usually fine.
