Vaccines in the News

The stories below appeared in non-veterinary publications

or as radio or TV news stories.

If you find any stories or articles about VAS that are not included here,

please click here to send information about the story to us!

• Are Annual Pet Vaccine Necessary? - From Prevention Magazine, this article's focus is on how often to vaccinate our cats and dogs.

• Still Vaccinating Your Pet Every Year? - This MSNBC.com story, dated July 18, 2005, is a good reflection of our basic stand on vaccinations, titers, duration of immunity and the importance of taking your pet to the vet for an annual examination (whether "shots" are due or not).

• Pet Vaccinations Could Cause Harm, Death - this story aired on the Columbus, Ohio, NBC affiliate on June 30, 2005.  While it does not specifically mention VAS, it provides important information about the danger of administering your pets vaccines on your own, rather than by a veterinarian.  Owner-administered vaccinations is a practice which we at VAS Awareness do not endorse or support. 

• Necessary or Not?  Some veterinarians and pet owners are questioning vaccinations -  From the June 12, 2005, Concord Monitor in Concord, NH, this story focuses on dog vaccines, with a mention of cats toward the end of the article.  The premise of the article holds true for both dogs and cats.  Our position that decisions to vaccinate your pet should be based on the pet's age health and environment, is summed up and enhanced by the article's final sentence - "I have a very good vet and a plan."  Do you have a good vet and a plan? 

• Pet Threat - This story aired on Boston's WHDH - 7 News, on May 18, 2005.

• Can Vaccinating Pets Make Them Sick? - From NBC San Diego on May 18, 2005, this includes the story of a dog that developed an auto-immune skin disease following a vaccination.

• Vaccination is often good for life - This story was published on Newsday on May 9, 2005, and includes comments from Dr. Ronald Schultz, a well-known veterinary immunologist who has been conducting vaccine research for nearly 30 years.

• No vaccines for us this year - From the May 11, 2005, MaineToday.com blog, this link includes information on dog vaccines and things that all of us can do to protect our pets.

• Vaccinating pets could do more harm than good - From Los Angeles' NBC 4 TV news, May 4, 2005

• Are We Over-vaccinating Our Pets? -  This story appeared on Sunday August 8th, 2004 in Maine's Sun Journal.  It was written by Maine State Senator Chris Hall.

• Are Annual Shots Overkill?  - This story by Rhonda Rundle appeared in the Wall Street Journal on July 31, 2002.  Click here for Printer friendly version!

• Feline Medicine's Dirty Little Secret - This editorial appeared in the on-line Animal News Center on August 1, 2003.

• Pets Don't Need Shots Every Year - This story by Leigh Hopper appeared in the Houston Chronicle on April 22, 2002.

• Rabies Vaccines Debated - This story by Leigh Hopper appeared in the Houston Chronicle on June 4, 2002 as the state of Texas began to debate changing the law from an annual rabies vaccine to every three years.  These debates were successful and the law was indeed changed.

• Pet Threat - This story aired on the Miami, Florida FOX affiliate, channel 7(WSVN) on November 13, 2003.

• What Shots Does a Cat Need?  Not all vaccinations are necessary, and some carry dangers.  By Denise Flaim, this story is from Newsday.com on January 7, 2003.

• Feline Vaccines - This story is by Steve Dale, from WGN radio, Chicago's News and Talk station.  In it, Steve discusses feline vaccines, VAS, and includes comments from Dr. James Richards, Director of the Cornell Feline Health Center, and Dr. Richard Ford, Professor of Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University.

• Vexed over Vaccination - Veterinarians debate whether it's safer to vaccinate older pets or not.  This story, by Jenette Restivo, was published at abcnews.com on September 6, 2001. 

 The information contained in this brochure is intended for general reference purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.  Veterinary medical information and treatment standards change rapidly and while we make efforts to obtain the most reliable, up-to-date information, some information may be out of date or even unreliable.  This information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.  Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professional. (12/2003)