Vaccines contain viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms that have been killed or altered so that they can no longer cause disease. Newer vaccines may contain genetically engineered components derived from those disease agents. When given to an animal, vaccines will stimulate the body's immune system to form disease fighting cells and proteins (known as antibodies) to protect against the disease. Although the protection afforded by vaccines can be reduced by poor health and poor
It is helpful to learn the basic mechanism of how vaccines work so that there is a clear understanding of the strengths and limitations of vaccines.When a foreign agent enters the body, the immune system sends sentry cells to protect itself. If an unrecognized agent is identified, the body produces antibodies or cell-based immune responses. In the immune system, cells are conditioned to recognize these new foreign agents and remember the important response information (memory
Most veterinarians agree that all cats should be vaccinated against those diseases that are widespread, cause serious illness, and/or are highly contagious (core vaccines). In addition, other vaccines may be recommended based on the risk they pose to individual cats (non-core vaccines). Note that may pet owners believe vaccines produce 100% protection in all cats. This is not true. Some vaccines will protect most cats, but others may only reduce the severity of clinical signs.Panleukopenia
Some non-core vaccines may be recommended based on the risk they pose to individual cats.This virus causes a multitude of disorders—tumors such as leukemia, bone marrow suppression, weight loss, chronic infections, and anemia may occur, although some infected cats may not show any clinical signs for several years. Leukemia vaccines are used in situations where the cat lives with an infected cat, shows or travels widely, goes outdoors, or is in a multi-cat household such