VACCINATION RISKS AND REACTIONS

Vaccination plays a vital role in protecting pets from a variety of serious and potentially fatal diseases. While the benefits of vaccination significantly outweigh the risks, it is important for pet owners to be aware that adverse reactions to vaccines, although uncommon, can occasionally occur.

These reactions can vary from mild and self-limiting to more serious and, in rare cases, life-threatening. The following outlines recognised risks and types of reactions associated with vaccination in pets.

• Lethargy or tiredness
• Mild fever
• Decreased appetite
• Tenderness, swelling or a small lump at the injection site
• Mild sneezing or coughing after intranasal vaccines

Some pets may experience a more noticeable reaction, which may require treatment. These can include:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Swelling of the face, lips, or eyes (facial angioedema)
• Generalised itching or hives (urticaria)
• Fainting or collapse
• Discomfort or pain at the injection site that does not improve

These reactions may be an early sign of an allergic response and should be addressed promptly by a veterinarian

In very rare cases, pets may experience a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Signs of anaphylaxis may include:

• Sudden collapse
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Rapid heart rate
• Cold limbs or unresponsiveness

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires **immediate veterinary attention**. Although rare, our team is trained and equipped to respond if this occurs while your pet is on the premises.

In extremely rare instances, pets may develop **immune-mediated complications** or long-term injection site reactions. These include:

• Lumps or nodules that persist at the injection site
• Injection-site sarcoma (extremely rare, mainly in cats)
• Autoimmune conditions potentially triggered by immune stimulation

Your veterinarian will advise on monitoring and next steps if any unusual symptoms develop days or weeks after vaccination.

Please Note: This list outlines the known and more commonly reported risks associated with vaccination; however, it is not exhaustive. Every pet is an individual, and while most experience no adverse effects, reactions can be unpredictable. By consenting to vaccination, owners accept that while every care is taken to minimise risk, complications may still arise