Common Pet Vaccinations Covered by Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide
Why Vaccinations are Essential
Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting pets from infectious diseases. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), vaccinations have been instrumental in reducing the incidence of diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus in dogs and cats (1). Vaccinations not only protect individual pets but also prevent the spread of diseases in the pet population.
Core Vaccinations for Dogs
Core vaccinations for dogs are those that are considered essential for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle or location. The core vaccinations for dogs are:
- Rabies: a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system
- Distemper: a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
- Parvovirus (Parvo): a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects the gastrointestinal system
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis): a contagious disease that affects the liver and respiratory system
- Parainfluenza: a highly contagious disease that affects the respiratory system
Non-Core Vaccinations for Dogs
Non-core vaccinations for dogs are those that are recommended based on the dog´s lifestyle, location, and risk factors. The non-core vaccinations for dogs are:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): a contagious disease that affects the respiratory system
- Leptospirosis: a bacterial disease that affects the kidneys and liver
- Lyme disease: a bacterial disease that affects the joints and kidneys
- Canine influenza: a contagious disease that affects the respiratory system
Core Vaccinations for Cats
Core vaccinations for cats are those that are considered essential for all cats, regardless of their lifestyle or location. The core vaccinations for cats are:
- Rabies: a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR): a contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory system
- Feline calicivirus (FCV): a contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory system
- Panleukopenia (FPV): a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects the gastrointestinal system
Non-Core Vaccinations for Cats
Non-core vaccinations for cats are those that are recommended based on the cat´s lifestyle, location, and risk factors. The non-core vaccinations for cats are:
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): a contagious disease that affects the immune system
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): a contagious disease that affects the immune system
- Bordetella: a contagious disease that affects the respiratory system
Scientific Evidence Supporting Vaccinations
Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of vaccinations in preventing diseases in pets. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that vaccinated dogs were significantly less likely to develop parvovirus than unvaccinated dogs (2). Another study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that vaccinated cats were significantly less likely to develop feline leukemia virus than unvaccinated cats (3).
Pet Insurance Coverage
Many pet insurance policies cover the cost of vaccinations, including core and non-core vaccinations. However, the specific coverage and requirements may vary depending on the insurance provider and policy. It is essential to review the policy terms and conditions to understand what is covered and what is not.
References:
(1) American Veterinary Medical Association. (2020). Vaccination Principles. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/vaccination-principles
(2) Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. (2018). Vaccination against parvovirus in dogs. Retrieved from https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.252.11.1345
(3) Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. (2019). Vaccination against feline leukemia virus in cats. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1098612X19870915