The AVMA Has Studied Vaccination Issues

Approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association Executive Board, April 2001, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 219, No. 5, September 1, 2001.

INTRODUCTION

Medical decisions about vaccine selection and protocols have become more complex. Selecting vaccine products and recommending vaccine programs are among the most complicated of medical decisions facing veterinarians. The reasons are numerous: continued evolution of our understanding of the immune system; increased value of animals to the owner/client; improved medical-record systems, and longer life-spans allowing the emergence of chronic sequele. Improved understanding of infectious diseases, the strengths and limitations of the biologic regulatory-approval process, and adverse events associated with vaccination also complicate decisions required for best patient care.

The Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents (COBTA) has studied the issues of vaccinology and immunology for the past two years. This study included a review of the scientific literature and interactive testimony with four expert groups including academic, regulatory, industry, and practitioner experts. Topics included safety, efficacy, duration of immunity, research and development of vaccines, vaccine licensing, product labeling, adverse events and adverse event reporting, governmental oversight of manufacturers, and legal issues associated with medical procedures.

Vaccines have played a significant role in enabling people and animals to live longer in this world filled with microbial pathogens. Vaccine products vary in efficacy and safety. Modern science continues to learn more about the immune systems and to develop strategies and technology for safer and more efficacious vaccines. Thorough evaluations of the risks of the disease, and those potentially associated with the vaccine, compared to the benefits for the patient, are necessary in crafting optimal health recommendations that include vaccination.

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