QUARTERLY BEAT / DECEMBER 2021 ///
WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS
ELLEN M. CAROZZA , LVT AAFP/AAHA Feline Vaccine Guidelines Task Force Member The Latest Scoop on Feline Vaccines
Vaccination is a medical procedure, and while vaccines are available through sources other than a veterinarian, they may not protect a cat against disease unless properly stored, handled, and administered. It is recognized that many rescues/shelters are giving vaccinations themselves instead of a licensed veterinarian. It is strongly encouraged to have the discussion on vaccine storage/ handling, as well as complete records (including injection site, serial number and expiration date) shared to help ensure the cats are receiving the current recommendations based on risk assessment and life-stye with these groups. Educational material and supplemental resources are available to the public by AAHA and the AAFP. Talking points to all clients should include: • Vaccines help protect against specific diseases • A veterinarian is the best person to evaluate a cat’s individual vaccine needs. • Veterinarian-administered vaccines are particularly important with respect to Rabies. Rabies, while fatal, is preventable and in many US states it is against the law for anyone other than a licensed veterinarian to administer a Rabies vaccine. Rabies vaccination for the cat is required by law in many but not all states. Ontario is currently the only Canadian province that requires rabies vaccination of cats. Even when areas do not require it, rabies vaccination is STILL recommended (see CORE VACCINE above.) • Severe vaccine reactions are rare, yet veterinarians should convey the risk-benefit analysis of any vaccination
• Zoonotic disease prevention • Separate administration sites • Potential life-threatening adverse events(anaphylaxis) and minor events(swelling) following vaccination • Vaccine reconstitution and handling (AAFP recommends use within 30 minutes of reconstitution) • Sharps safety procedures and accidental sticks Credentialed Veterinary Technicians or Veterinary Assistant Roles/Responsibilities: • Vaccine coordinator • Vaccine Storage and inventory management • Implementing Feline Friendly handling techniques in the hospital to minimize stress during examinations and vaccine administration • Client communication and follow up, including verbal and written instructions on potential adverse events after vaccine administration and disease prevention Reception/Client-Service Personnel: • Maintain patient files with vaccination information (date, serial number and exp date of vaccines given) • Scheduling follow up appointments for booster and yearly vaccines in advance. It is strongly encouraged to forward book appointments to minimize the possibility of missing the recommended boosters, especially in vaccines that require a series for proper immunity to develop. • Understand potential life threatening and minor adverse events that can occur following vaccine administration that require veterinary assistance Believe it or not, pet owner clients are an essential member of the cat’s healthcare team. While they can be instrumental in helping improve healthcare for their cats, the Task Force recommends that vaccination be performed by a veterinarian.
Remember, the client and veterinary practice team have the same goal: to provide the best possible care for the pet.
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