Core and Non-Core Vaccinations

Core Vaccines 

Core vaccines are often referred to as a ‘C3’ as there are three components, this vaccine protects against:

• Canine Parvovirus – the most common of the severe diseases in our area.  This virus causes severe gastrointestinal disease and is particularly deadly in young dogs. 
• Canine Hepatitis Virus – causes generalised symptoms of fever, lethargy and hepatitis.  Due to high levels of vaccination, the prevalence is low in Australia. 
• Canine Distemper Virus – causes generalised symptoms that can be widely variable and then progress to neurological symptoms.  Due to high levels of vaccination, the prevalence is low in Australia. 

Non-Core Vaccines

Kennel cough – this typically contains protection against Para Influenza Virus and Bordatella bronchisepta bacteria and these two components complete the commonly discussed ‘C5’ Vaccination – A core C3 vaccine + 2 components of kennel cough = C5  

• This is a highly infectious respiratory virus that is spread when dogs are found in close proximity to each other.  The disease can be severe without vaccination which while not 100% protective will significantly reduce the severity of symptoms.  
• This vaccine is recommended for most dogs living in residential areas, as well as being a standard requirement should dogs need to attend kennels, training classes or daycare facilities.  

Tetanus  - as we are in a rural location and have seen cases of tetanus, it is a common recommendation that we administer a tetanus vaccination course 

This is typically only required once in a dog’s lifetime and is completed with their puppy vaccinations .

Cats are slightly trickier.  As we move to more and more cats living indoor only or in defined outdoor runs with limited contact to each other the necessary vaccines are changing. 

Core Vaccines

Core Vaccine is still considered what is referred to as an ‘F3’ and consists of three parts:

• Feline Panleukopenia Virus - the most severe of the diseases we vaccinate cats against and causes gastrointestinal symptoms similar to parvovirus in the dog
• Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calicivirus - These are two components of what is commonly referred to as ‘Cat flu’ 

Non-Core Vaccines

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or ‘Feline Aids Vaccine’ - has a very high prevalence in our part of South Australia and is therefore recommended for all cats who venture outdoors.  The disease process is similar to Aids in humans but IS NOT transmissible to humans.  The vaccine is only partially protective, but is much better than having no coverage at all 
• Feline Leukemia Virus  - is uncommon in South Australia and is typically associated with large colonies of cats.  It is therefore more of a problem in breeding facilities or in populations of feral cats.  Vaccination for Feline Leukemia is not a standard part of our vaccine schedule. 

As rabbits are considered a pest species in Australia there are limited options for vaccination to prevent the spread of resistant strains into the wild rabbit population.  This means that vaccination for Myxomatosis virus is not available.  

• Calicivirus -  there is now a vaccine that covers for the more recently released strains of calicivirus  and provides 12 months of protection.  Vaccination is recommended from 8 weeks of age and then every 12 months.