How Often Should a Dog Be Vaccinated With Duramune?

Duramune is a combination vaccine intended for dogs. It protects dogs against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza virus, corona virus and adenovirus type 2. When the Duramune vaccination is given to a dog, the immune system develops the necessary antibodies to fight off these diseases. The Duramune vaccination is often recommended for dogs because it is an inexpensive and time-efficient vaccination.

  1. About Duramune

    • Duramune is known as a multivalent vaccine. What this means is that it is capable of stimulating several different types of antibodies in the dog, preventing several different illnesses and diseases rather than just one. Combination vaccines such as these can be used on dogs of all ages to vaccinate against several different diseases. Duramune is designed to vaccinate against hepatitis, canine distemper, parainfluenza virus, parvovirus and corona virus using a mix of both modified live and killed vaccines.

    Beginning the Series

    • A puppy can get his first in a series of Duramune vaccination injections at the age of 6 weeks. Because Duramune is administered in a series, several shots will be necessary in this process before the full effect of the vaccination can be felt. After the initial injection, the puppy should receive a second injection three weeks later, and a third vaccination three weeks after that. This initial series of vaccinations will ensure that the puppy is properly protected for all of these diseases.

    One Year Booster

    • After the initial schedule of vaccinations has been administered, the dog will not need an additional Duramune vaccination until she 1 year old. A Duramune booster shot will help to ensure continued protection of the dog's immune systems from the diseases and illnesses that the vaccine protects against.

    Future Vaccinations

    • After the one-year Duramune vaccination booster, another vaccination with Duramune is not required until two to three years later. Unlike some vaccinations, the Duramune vaccination is one that is required continually for the entire lifespan of your dog, and no permanent immunity is created.

    Consult your Veterinarian

    • The Duramune vaccination is popular among veterinarians because it is cost effective and simple, since it handles six different illnesses and diseases all at once. Because your dog may not actually require vaccinating for all of these diseases, however, it may be best to consult your veterinarian before planning on a Duramune vaccination. There are individual vaccinations for each of the illnesses that Duramune addresses as well, and these may be better indicated for your dog depending on certain factors such as geographical location and breed of dog.