This could be a long topic so I'll do my best to keep it as short as possible.
Vaccinations, over recent years, have gotten a lot of attention due to suspected side effects and a couple of known problems. In cats, it was found that certain vaccines caused fibrosarcoma, ie cancer. This caused a serious debate as to whether we are indeed vaccinating too much. Some have tied certain immune mediated diseases like immune mediated hemolytic anemia and skin disease to vaccine administration. The push recently has been to try and reduce the amount of vaccinations given to our pets by evaluating risk and reward.
If you review the recent challenge studies performed by various groups and individuals, you will find that some components of the Distemper vaccine last longer than a year when given. The Distemper vaccine, for those unaware, is composed of several different diseases including: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Coronavirus, and in some cases Leptospirosis. Not every vaccine will contain the same diseases depending on what your Veterinarian carries. The challenge studies I alluded to previously, targeted Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and Distemper. Previously, these vaccines were only labeled to be effective for 1 year. The challenge studies, spurred by the over vaccination problem, revealed that these diseases were found to be protected against for at least three years. Dogs were tested after recieving vaccination and titers were performed at specified times to determine if they would have protective immunity. The studies determined that a single vaccine was good for a least three years. So some vaccines have been relabeled to be good for that duration.
As far as what is considered core vaccines, or those vaccines recommended, the American Animal Hospital Association puts out a vaccine protocol every year. Those interested in reading can visit the site at AAHA.com. The long and short is this: Each pet is going to be different depending on geographic location, risk for contracting disease, age, etc, so each is going to have a different set of vaccines. For adult dogs, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo are recommended yearly to every three years. Rabies depends on state law, but generally yearly to every three years. The rest is really based on exposure.
For sporting dogs, I would recommend Distemper, Parvo, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis. Depending on loaction, Lyme. Obviously, Rabies is required. The other vaccines would be based on a good history and exposure to disease.
Hope this helps!
