Why do I have to get three or four vaccinations?
During the first 24 hours of their lives, maternal antigens are absorbed through the pups' intestines which are very, very thin during those first few hours. After the colozturm ceases a day or so later, the maternal antigens decline steadily. During this time, puppies cannot build up their own natural immunity because the immunity they got from their mom gets in the way.As the immunity they get from their mom gradually declines, the pup's immune system takes over. At this time, the pups should be given their first immunization shots so they can build up their own antibodies. This is why puppies should get several vaccinations at two to four week intervals until they are around 16 to 18 weeks old. This maximizes the chance of catching the puppy's immune system as soon as it is ready to respond, minimizing the amount of time the puppy may be susceptible to infection. The last shot should be given after four months of age to be sure that the dam's antibodies have not gotten in the way of the pup building up its own immunity.
Never allow a repeat or new vaccine if your puppy was vaccinated less than fourteen days earlier.
Boston Terrier FAQs . . .
