Michael J. Watts, DVM speaks to vaccinations and their essential status during the pandemic. His comments about rabies vaccines are spot on. Backyard pets frequently encounter wildlife, so leptospirosis, Lyme and feline leukemia vaccines may be essential for some pets. Kennel cough vaccines are important to keep current for pets being boarded.
Source: Culpeper Star-Exponent, April 4, 2020. Link. Watts says, in my practice, rabies is the only vaccine that we must administer and that we will never dispense for home administration. For pet owners who are comfortable giving injections, any other vaccine listed above could be dispensed for home administration. Canine influenza would require DVM administration as well. Via AVMA SmartBrief < link >.
Supporting Source: Vaccination recommendations for general practice, AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines, updated 2018. Link.
INSIGHTS: The lives of home-based animals have changed dramatically in recent weeks. It is important to question animal owners about the current lifestyles of their pets to be sure proper prevention measures are in place. This would include flea, tick and heartworm preventatives, as well as internal parasites. < link >
Prevention helps all of us!