In the past I've had my girls vaccinated each time I've bred. This time however, I've been told that since my bitch has already had a litter previously and I used the CHV then... She should now be making her own antibodies and doesn't require it.

I thought that as it was a shedding virus that a dog could pick it up regardless of having been vaccinated in the past (unless it was recently administered).

Thoughts?

You need to give it for every litter, twice.  The vaccination only works for a certain period of time.  Which is why dogs need two jabs and not one:  One to protect the developing puppies from being absorbed in the early stages, and then another before whelping to ensure they get antibodies in the colostrum to protect them in the first weeks of life. 

If the jabs lasted a longer period of time, you would only need one to be effective throughout pregnancy and confer immunity on the puppies via colostrum.

Yes, that's what I always believed and have used it as directed for my last four litters but this time I have been told that we've already had a litter from this bitch and therefore, she is making her own antibodies.

I have been going back and forth with this for 10 days but I'm assuming that it's pointless now as we're 15 days post mating now :(

It can be given anything up to 4 weeks post mating and can also be given before a mating too. That was from the manufacturer direct. I would still give it now as they've not embedded yet which is normally around day 17ish

The first vaccination should be given 7-10 days after mating, so you are a bit out - but it may still confer some protection.  And of course the 2nd vaccination before whelping can still be done, to protect them in the first weeks of life. 

Always look at the data sheet, don't listen to what other people say:  http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-453472 

First injection: Either during heat or 7 – 10 days after the presumed date of mating.
Second injection: 1 to 2 weeks before the expected date of whelping.
Revaccination: during each pregnancy, according to the same schedule.

Yes I'm aware of what Noah compendium says. There was a mix up at my vets and we had to call the manufacturer and they stated the first vaccine can be given up to 4 weeks post mating.
Many repro vets suggest that the 1st vaccine is given before matings too. Yes that is what a repro said to me when I was having trouble getting one of my girls in whelp.

Thanks guys. I'll ring the vet in the morning and ask for it to be ordered as urgent. We are 15 days post second mating and 17 days post first. She was swabbed and was on the cusp of ovulation so advised a late mating that day.

I hate it when I don't get to see my preferred vet. These locums have a lot to answer for!

Will let you know how we get on.

Yes, I give the 1st one before mating because  like to keep everything as low stress as possible after the mating has happened - so it makes sense to me to give the first one before.

Well the soonest we can get in is Monday afternoon.

Fingers crossed there are no further complications. 20 days post first mating but I think she probably ovulated  the day after.

Just a follow up in case someone else is in the same boat as us...

We went in today and our vet confirmed that the 1st vaccine can be given upto 4 weeks after mating.

AS LONG AS THERE IS THE REQUIRED GAP BETWEEN THE TWO DOSES.

There is no concern from the manufacturer with regards to the dam/embryos within this time frame.

Thank you to everyone who posted responses :)

Hope that helps someone else in the future.