[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by tokes

Thanks for your reply. Has it always been good for 3 years? My Rabies Certificate from last year said he would be due back in a year, which was today. The certificate I received today said it's good for three years now. Last year's producer was Merial. This year's is Pfizer. I don't know if there's a difference?

Most states have required rabies every three years for several years now. A lot of vets still give it every year for revenue and because rabies used to be required every year. A study was done and the vaccine was found to last for at least three year, although many believe it lasts for 7 years to the lifetime of the animal. There is currently a Rabies Challenge study going on right now, and hopefully we can extend the time between rabies even more as it causes the most adverse reactions of any vaccine in our dogs. Overvaccination has been such a problem...you really don't want to give the rabies vaccine anymore than it is required by law. Whether it's called a "one year" or "three year rabies" it's the same vaccine.

There are some states that still require rabies every year by law, so the vaccine companies take the same vaccine and label it differently so that it can be used in all ares. However, as I said..it's the same vaccine.

Current vaccine protocol is to give first rabies vaccine at 4 months of age (later for smaller dogs if possible). Then a booster is to be given one year later. After that, a rabies should be given ever three years (by law). Unless you live in a state that still continues to require it every year..