Vaccinations

NZVA's position is that every dog and cat should be appropriately immunised, and each individual animal should be vaccinated as frequently as considered necessary by their veterinarian to provide protection.

The welfare of the animal should be the primary consideration when discussing vaccination, and vaccines to be used should be determined within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

The Companion Animal Veterinarians (CAV) branch of the NZVA has developed an information sheet to help veterinarians talk to clients about vaccine-associated adverse events. These events are very uncommon and, when they do occur, they are usually mild. Veterinarians have an obligation to let clients know about the risks associated with administering vaccines. However, it's important to remind clients that vaccinating pets is a safe, effective practice that is critical to preventing and controlling infectious disease outbreaks.

In May 2024, New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) confirmed that it had received a small number of reports of vaccine-associated canine distemper in New Zealand puppies following vaccination with Vanguard Plus 5 (ACVM Registration Number A007448). There have been no similar reports received for older dogs after vaccination.

Zoetis  is working with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) to investigate the deaths of seven puppies since June 2021. On 29 March 2025, Zoetis wrote to customers again to advise that two further reports had been received. In August 2024, a 12-week-old puppy developed confirmed post-vaccinal canine distemper encephalitis (PVE) following the second of two vaccinations with Vanguard Plus 5. In March 2025, four puppies from a litter of eight developed signs consistent with PVE after receiving their first vaccination with Vanguard Plus 5, pending confirmation by immunohistochemistry and whole genome sequencing. Zoetis is thoroughly investigating these cases, including genetic examination. 

The NZVA remains in regular contact with Zoetis and ACVM. We made a written submission to ACVM about the Vanguard Plus 5 reassessment in September 2024. The reassessment is still underway, and ACVM will issue an update once it is complete. In the meantime, Vanguard Plus 5 is still available and in use.

In line with advice from the Veterinary Professional Insurance Society (VPIS), here are some things you can do to help evaluate vaccinations:

  • Consider all the products available to you. Make sure you’ve performed a thorough risk assessment when selecting vaccines for puppies.
  • Take particular caution when vaccinating immunocompromised animals.
  • Practice informed consent. If you use Vanguard Plus 5, make sure your clients are fully informed of the risk and ongoing reassessment.
  • Report any adverse events to the registrant of the product and/or MPI. Make sure the owner is aware that you’re making the report.
  • Keep an eye out for potential cases of distemper. If you suspect a patient is showing signs of distemper, contact MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

Although vaccine-associated adverse events are uncommon, veterinarians have an obligation to let clients know about the risks. However, it's also important to remind clients that vaccinating pets is a safe, effective practice that helps prevent and control disease outbreaks.

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