What Are Common Pet Vaccinations Covered By Insurance?

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

The core vaccinations for dogs are rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza.

The non-core vaccinations for cats are feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and bordetella.

Vaccinations are essential for pets because they protect against infectious diseases, prevent the spread of diseases, and reduce the risk of serious illness and death.

Many pet insurance policies cover the cost of vaccinations, including core and non-core vaccinations, but the specific coverage and requirements may vary depending on the insurance provider and policy.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of vaccinations in preventing diseases in pets, including studies published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

The frequency of vaccination depends on the type of vaccine, the age of the pet, and the risk of disease exposure. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule for your pet.
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