Building Trust Through Science: AAVSB’s Perspective on Animal Vaccination
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy with a One Health Mindset
The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) affirms the importance of One Health, that the health of people, animals, and the environment are connected. Vaccination remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent disease in animals. Thus reducing the potential for many of these diseases to spread from animals to people.
Vaccination plays a key role in protecting people. Rabies, for example, can be passed from animals to humans, and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Dogs cause 99% of human rabies deaths outside the United States, yet fewer than 10 people in the U.S., and 1 person in Canada, die annually from rabies. Vaccination is the most effective way to control this deadly disease.
Fostering Communication in Veterinary Care
The AAVSB understands that some animal owners may have questions or concerns about vaccines. Vaccines used in veterinary medicine are carefully tested, continually studied, and closely monitored to ensure they are safe and effective. The AAVSB encourages discussion between veterinarians and owners, within the context of a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship, on the appropriateness for each vaccine for each patient. Discussions are an opportunity to communicate current evidence-based medical standards when addressing client vaccine hesitancy. Thus ensuring decisions are grounded in scientific consensus, risk–benefit analysis, and the patient’s individual health status.
Veterinary professionals should be committed to listening, answering questions, and providing clear, science-based information to all clients. Animal owners are encouraged to talk honestly with their veterinarians and feel welcome to voice their questions or concerns without fear of judgement. Furthermore, information provided to clients should rely on trusted sources and credible scientific information. This decision should be based on evidence-based medicine.
Best practices on vaccination schedules and local or legal vaccination requirements will help ensure a trusting relationship between the veterinary community and the public. Thus ensuring a healthy future for their animals and for everyone they share their lives with.
About the AAVSB: The AAVSB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen the veterinary regulatory community. The membership of the AAVSB consists of 62 jurisdictions, including all of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and nine Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.