How do Pet Vaccinations Work?

Two Minutes

Apr 23, 2022

A veterinarian holds a cocker spaniel still while preparing to administer a vaccine.

If you visit the veterinarian on a regular basis, you have likely noticed your veterinarian recommending several vaccines or that you follow a vaccine schedule if you have a young pet.

Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. Keep reading to learn more about vaccinations, what vaccinations are, why you should vaccinate if your vet recommends it, and more.

What’s a Vaccine?

Vaccines are designed to trigger immune responses (your pet’s ‘protective’ system in their body) to prepare them for future contact (immunity). Vaccines promote the release of antibodies.

Why Should I Vaccinate My Pet?

Preparing your pet for future contact is not the only reason to vaccinate your pet, though. You may also choose to vaccinate your pet for the following reasons:

To avoid paying for costly payments in the future to treat an illness
To prevent disease from spreading from your pet to you (some illnesses can be passed– these are known as zoonotic illnesses)
Conditions, like rabies, will likely force you to put your pet down if unvaccinated when the bite occurred
Many apartment complexes, workplaces, rental homes, towns, and counties are now requiring your pet to remain up-to-date on vaccinations

Do Vaccines Always Work?

In most cases, the vaccines do work. If your pet is experiencing another type of illness, like cancer, her immune system may not be able to handle the ‘fight.’ But, in a healthy pet, vaccines have been known to work properly in most cases.

To ensure vaccines work as well as possible, you should follow the vaccination schedule your veterinarian recommends.

How Does my Veterinarian Decide Which Vaccinations My Pet Receives?

Prior to your veterinarian developing a vaccination program, he or she will consider your pet’s lifestyle, any risks due to your pet’s lifestyle, and discuss any side effects (if any) of the recommended vaccinations.

Always schedule regular visits with your vet to be sure that your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations.

Protect your Pets

Coverage in 3 Easy Steps

Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.