Vaccinations : Canine Influenza Vaccine
The Canine Influenza vaccine is a relatively new vaccine for a disease that has been recognized for a few years. Canine flu appears in most dogs like regular kennel cough. 20% of dogs can be infected with no clinical signs. 5% mortality has been documented. Deaths are from severe bacterial pneumonia and can occur in previously healthy young dogs. Pneumonia usually shows up 10-12 days after exposure.
 
It appears that infection after casual contact with an infected dog is not a major concern, as the virus is not shed at high levels and is not readily transmitted. Three to four days of continuous contact (like that seen in boarding kennels, for example), is needed for an infected dog to transmit the virus to a susceptible dog. Dogs that play in dog parks or participate in outdoor activities are unlikely to contract the flu virus in these environments.
 
After exposure to the virus, dogs start shedding the virus in secretions within 24 hours. They stop shedding the virus by 7 days after exposure. Clinical signs usually start by day 2-5 after exposure. Coughing, when present, can last for 30 days.
 
 In one study of 700 dogs, the vaccine was “reaction-free,” most likely meaning without immediate reactions like fevers and injection site pain. The vaccine has not been in widespread use as of yet to determine further side effects; and of course, like most vaccines, it is difficult to connect chronic problems with any one vaccine that has been given. This is a killed vaccine with an adjuvant (like the rabies vaccines).
 
Currently we are suggesting that clients consider this vaccine only if their dogs will be at high risk for Canine Influenza (H3N8). Outbreaks have been noted in Delaware, and are mostly from boarding facilities and shelters. Accordingly, if your dog will be boarding, showing, doing obedience trials, or being placed in other situations of prolonged contact with many dogs at once, you might want to consider this vaccine.
 
Two doses given 3 weeks apart are required for the vaccine, and immunity does not occur until 2 weeks after the second dose.
 
This vaccine, while effective at inducing immunity, does NOT prevent infection. In other words, dogs can still contract the virus and spread it to other dogs, although the amount of virus that is shed is reduced. Like the human flu vaccines, it may reduce the severity of an infection.