Proven protocols, even booster vaccinations, are under full scrutiny these days. As vaccine technology advances, the need for these vaccinations is being questioned. Most protocols developed by marketing programs and manufacturers continue to include booster vaccinations as standard practice. However, more of today’s vaccines do not offer label instructions to repeat vaccination in two to four weeks as they previously have.
Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, September 12, 2016.
Giving booster vaccinations even with today’s technology advancements allows for a higher immune level and a second opportunity to develop a strong immune system if vaccine failure occurred during the first round of shots. The second round should be given three to four weeks after the first round to ensure a high level of immune response.
INSIGHTS: The key takeaway here is to remember that most labels read “for the vaccination of healthy animals . . .” The health status of any critter at the time of vaccination and the level of immune response is never an exact science.