Re-Vaccination

Question
Hi! I have a 7 month labrador retriever and would want to know if there's a need to re-vaccinate. My dog was given a 5 in 1 vaccination at 6 and 9 weeks. A friend told me that I have to repeat it 5 times because I was not able to follow the vaccination at 12 weeks. Is this true? Thank you very much.

Answer
Yes you must revaccinate, but not 5 times.  Vaccines are given in a series, usually at 8, 12 & 14 weeks (and then of course annually or as directed by your veterinarian).  They must be given every 3-4 weeks to properly stimulate the immune system.  Depending on the dog's age will depend how many they actually get--all dogs will need a minimum of two vaccines in a row and the last should be AFTER 12 weeks of age.  The reason the series is given is so the puppy's body can mount an immune response to protect itself against disease when the antibodies from mom are waxing and waning.  And at 12 weeks, all protection from mom is gone.  Had your puppy got a 3rd distemper combo at 13 weeks, that would have been sufficient.  But now s/he should have another series of 2 vaccines, 3 weeks apart.  AND, I would HIGHLY recommend that you get your dog vaccinated with the Distemper that has the 4 types of Leptospirosis (Fort Dodge Duramune Max 5-4L)...this is a disease that is on the rise and is transmitted from water and can be deadly not to mention transmitted to people.