A vaccine is usually an injectable product, designed to encourage an animal’s immune system to create antibodies against specific infections. This protection is necessary once the antibodies transferred from mothers to new-borns wears off, which generally occurs within weeks of birth.
Vaccines have protected millions of animals from illness and death caused by infectious diseases. All medical interventions, however, have some associated risk. Fortunately, in the case of vaccination, serious adverse reactions are very infrequent. Design Biologix minimises vaccination risk by meticulously assessing the safety and efficacy of each newly developed vaccine.
This should be carefully planned in consultation with a veterinarian. The vaccines you use will depend on the geographic location of your farm and the type of farm (dairy or beef, extensive or intensive). The optimal time of year for vaccination will depend on the disease. Discuss this with your veterinarian and draw up an animal health management programme for your farm, considering any diseases that have been reported. This programme should be updated regularly as new risks are identified.
Avoid mixing! Different vaccines should not be mixed in the same syringe. Vaccines should also not be mixed in a syringe with other preparations such as antibiotics. When more than one vaccine is administered at the same time, they should not be administered in proximity to each other on the animal, but preferably on opposite sides of the neck.
Most veterinary vaccines will not adversely affect humans, but may cause local swelling and discomfort at the site of the injection. Should you inject yourself with vaccine, consult a medical doctor or contact Design Biologix.
Always carefully read the directions for usage, obeying warnings and instructions to the letter.