| Vaccination is an accepted practice (and sometimes | | | | if it encounters it again. We consider that "immunity". |
| legal requirement) with kittens. | | | | The Downside of Vaccinations |
| We people believe vaccines make our pets (and us) | | | | As you can see, it's not a precise tactic. |
| completely invulnerable to specific diseases. | | | | For starters, you're giving the kitten a dose - all be it |
| Is that true? | | | | a small dose - of a virus. Maybe the kitten can |
| Partially. In reality it's complicated... and not precise. | | | | defend against it. Maybe he can't. |
| What is a Vaccine? | | | | Secondly, vaccines contain "adjuvants". These are |
| First - both animals and humans have immune | | | | foreign proteins that stimulate a general immune |
| systems. The immune system has a number of | | | | response. The goal here is if there isn't an adequate |
| different parts. Its' primary function is to defend the | | | | specific immune response, a general response may |
| "host" (your kitten) from "invaders" that can harm it. | | | | be enough... the hand granade versus sniper strategy. |
| Essentially, it's a survival mechanism. | | | | Thirdly, preservatives such as thimerosol and |
| The immune system needs to "learn" what's bad and | | | | aluminum are used. These are carcinogens. |
| how to defend against it much like a little child needs | | | | Lastly, it's common practice to use vaccine |
| to learn flames from the stove aren't the same | | | | "cocktails"... multiple vaccines in one dose. This can |
| flames in a coloring book. | | | | overwhelm and confuse the immune system. |
| Vaccines contain invaders - called "antigens". When | | | | To improve the risks of vaccinating consider: |
| the invaders are detected, the immune system | | | | Never vaccinating a kitten with a compromised |
| responds by producing "antibodies". Antibodies attach | | | | immune system. This will be the case if they are sick |
| themselves to the foreign invaders and make them | | | | or having surgery (such as spay/neutering). |
| inactive. | | | | Get only one vaccine at time rather than a |
| Vaccines contain a small amount of antigens - enough | | | | multi-vaccine cocktail. |
| to generate a defensive response, but not too much | | | | Only vaccinate against diseases your cat is at risk for. |
| to overwhelm. | | | | For instance, indoor cats have less risk compared to |
| This process sensitizes (teaches) the immune system | | | | outdoor cats for a number of diseases. |
| to that specific antigen so that it will respond strongly | | | | |