Have to visit relatives over Easter and take my dog, but have just been told there's a Parvo outbreak in the town I'm going to :( 4 dogs dead in the last few days

I haven't boostered my dog for a couple of years, so should I try to get a parvo jab before I go? Is parvo available on its own, or would he have to have full course/s, and do I have time to get it all done before I go?  Aaaargh!

Parvovirus is included in the DHP combined vaccine, which is generally only required to be boosted every 3 years (some manufacturers still require annual boosting). So check with your vet.

Thanks Jean that's what I thought - I'm just not sure my vet (and others nearby) wouldn't insist on the full works as they are not good about this over-vaccinating thing. In their eyes he's totally lapsed after 3 years and is unprotected... *sigh*

I guess a booster is better than nothing, if I CAN find a local vet to give him one? and how long would it be before it takes effect? This is really something I never did think would occur as my area & my relatives' have never been a parvo hot-spot.

If it's more than three years since your dog was boosted then the manufacturer's recommendations (which is what the vets have to advise, whatever their personal opinions) would be to restart the course. However it's your dog, and if you explain to the vet that you are aware of this, and wish your dog just to have a single injection of DHP vaccine as a booster they'll probably agree to do it (and mark on the history that it's at your request). At worst it would be two weeks before it was fully effective, but probably sooner than that.

> I'm just not sure my vet (and others nearby) wouldn't insist on the full works as they are not good about this over-vaccinating thing. In their eyes he's totally lapsed after 3 years and is unprotected... *sigh*
>

My vet won't either!  He won't just do a booster if any of my dogs are more than 3 months overdue.  :-(

In answer to your question about the parvo jab being available seperately, it is YES, however it is difficult to find from a vet unless you purchase the whole box (from my experience).

If your vet insists on starting the course again when the time has lapsed for boosters etc then you just have to be more assertive and tell them exactly what you want, you are paying them for a service and what you want not them!