Ask the Vet: Calling the Shots For Your Pet

We vaccinate our pets for the same reason we vaccinate our children: to protect them against serious diseases that can potentially be fatal. Also, some of these diseases are transmissible to people (i.e., zoonotic). As with people, vaccination may not entirely prevent the disease, but it will reduce the severity of infection. In general, dog diseases do not affect cats, and cat diseases do not affect dogs.

Puppies and kittens should receive a series of vaccinations every three weeks from the time they are six to eight weeks old until they are between three and four months old. The first vaccine for a kitten is called either a “3 in 1” or a “4 in 1,” or FVRCP, and it gives protection from viruses that cause serious upper respiratory symptoms that can become much more severe than just a “kitty cold.” Read more

SHOTS AND FLU INFO

Medical experts and Department of Health officials will answer questions about seasonal and swine flu at a town hall sponsored by Community Board 8 and East Side elected officials. Representatives from Metropolitan Hospital and city officials will be a part of the panel. The town hall will be held on Oct. 28 at Hunter School of Social Work, 129 E. 79th St., between Lexington and Park avenues, in room 1010. The meeting will start at 7 p.m.

State Sen. José Serrano and New York-Presbyterian Hospital are also sponsoring a free flu shot event for adults over 21 years of age on Oct. 22. People can arrive at Taller Boricua, 1680 Lexington Ave. between East 105th and 106th streets, from 4 to 7 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 212-828-5829.