Services to prevent avoidable and deadly illnesses are core to San Marco Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. And core vaccines are fundamental to our focus on prevention and lifelong wellness.
“Core” vaccines are defined by The American Veterinary Medical Association as those designed to protect pets from illnesses that are endemic to a specific geographic area, present severe threats to public health, are legally required, and are highly infectious. These vaccines are recommended explicitly as fundamental to your pet’s health because their effectiveness and safety are well-demonstrated, and the considerable benefits to our furry patients far outweigh the risks. So, their largely universal recommendation to the majority of patients is justified.
The vaccines themselves are formulated to produce a positive immune response. So, vaccinated pets can then defend themselves against future threats to their health from disease-causing pathogens. Infections may be prevented entirely, or the severity of the disease may be minimized significantly.
Core puppy vaccines may be recommended for puppies as young as six to eight weeks of age. Recommended vaccines for pups protect against:
The first four viruses are commonly referred to as “DAPP.” This combined DAPP vaccination, along with a rabies vaccination, prevents our beloved animal friends from developing many contagious and deadly diseases, and they have protected millions of pets from illness and premature death over the past 100 years as their use became widespread. Additionally, you avoid the trauma and cost of resolving diseases that could have otherwise been prevented. Affordable vaccines are, in turn, a great investment in a long, happy relationship between you and your pup.
Your pup may receive its rabies vaccination around the age of 12 weeks. We typically begin with a one-year dose, followed by a three-year booster. DAPP vaccines generally occur every three weeks until the 16 to 19-week point, at which time either one or three-year boosters are recommended.
“Non-core” vaccines may be appropriate for your pet, depending on their exposure to these viruses and risk factors for developing these diseases. Risk factors may include physical exercise or activities that put your pup in potential close contact with infected wildlife or carriers of these diseases. In conversation with you, your puppy may receive non-core vaccinations, including:
Phone Number: (904) 399-5557
