Vaccinosis is a term for when an animal has an adverse reaction as a result of being vaccinated or over-vaccinated. The topic of vaccinosis is controversial among veterinarians that practice traditional medicine and natural or holistic medicine.
The Philosophy Behind Vaccinosis
Vaccinosis is believed to cause several neurological and physical disorders. Many in the holistic and natural medicine community believe it is unnecessary to administer cat vaccines or dog vaccines, especially in older pets.
Those against the administration of vaccines look at the practice as being quack science that is about as effective as blood-letting was back in the eighteenth century. Dog vaccinations or cat vaccinations are sometimes seen as a ploy by traditional veterinarians to slowly poison one's pets so that they have to go back to the animal clinic for further treatments.
One could argue that vaccines have eliminated the risks of cancer, rabies, distemper, etc. However, a person that believes vaccines are not necessary will attribute good hygiene, education, the evolution of the immune systems in animals, and the environment in which the pet lives to have lowered the occurrences of the illnesses in animals.
The Belief the Vaccines Override Immune System
When a vaccine is administered, a form of pathogen (a virus, bacteria, heavy metal, etc.) is being introduced into the body. For example, when one receives a flu shot, that person is given a small amount of the virus. Those who warn against the dangers of vaccinosis believe the animal's immune processes are overridden, causing malfunctions. The immune system is believed to be deprived of the chance to fight-off the artificially produced pathogen.
The malfunctions caused by the vaccines thus present themselves as chronic, low grade forms of the disease the artificially-produced pathogen was supposed to defend against. Because the animal's body was not given the chance to experience the true form of the pathogen, as it occurs in nature, the body is not able to properly get rid of the artificial pathogen because the natural means of evicting the culprit through the immune system was not triggered through the proper channels.
Substances Often Found in Dog and Cat Vaccines
The following are a few of the components found in vaccines that are of concern to those who have the belief that traditional medicine tends to over-vaccinate animals: aluminum, formaldehyde, ethanol, phenol, thimerosal (a compound containing heavy metal mercury), and animal organ tissues.
When to Vaccinate
Veterinarians today have several differing opinions about when to vaccinate a pet. Some believe vaccines should be administered on an annual basis. Other may say vaccines are only necessary every 3 or every 5 years. There are even some vets that recommend not vaccinating a pet after they have reached the age of one.
Many in the holistic and natural medicine communities believe vaccines are important for puppies and kittens. The opinions differ about how often to vaccinate an animal once it has reached maturity. Talk to your vet about the vaccinations he or she recommends so you can make an educated decision about your pet's care.