New legislation is being debated to permit vets to vaccinate according to protocols determined by science as opposed to what manufacturers decide to put onto labels.
I recently wrote an article, This Vet is in Trouble for being Ethical when Dr. John Robb of Bridgeport, was placed on probation by the Connecticut Veterinary Board. He has been fighting for this legislation to be passed for the welfare of our pets.
A very important point to consider is that the laws with regard to these vaccines are based solely on the pharmaceutical company’s labeling. So if pharma says it’s ok, the government basically accepts it – basically a form of the honor system. These laws work to the advantage of corporations while they should be based upon unbiased work of experts.
The Connecticut’s H.B. 5659 bill was introduced in January 2017 by state representatives Fred Camillo and Pam Staneskiare. The bill would protect Connecticut veterinarians who choose to vaccinate dogs in a way that minimizes the dangerous vaccine effects (including serious long term damage as well as death). Here is an article with a description of the bill:
Conn. bill permits veterinarians to alter vaccine protocols, dosages
The bill would allow Connecticut veterinarians to do two things: “(1) vary from established protocols when in the best interest and health of an animal, and (2) administer a rabies antibody titer (a blood test used to estimate antibody levels) to determine the need for a rabies booster vaccine.”
If the bill is passed, Connecticut would be the nation’s first state to permit titer testing for rabies antibodies in lieu of revaccination.
Dr. Arnold Goldman, co-chair of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association’s Government Affairs Committee, stated, “As practicing veterinarians, not immunologists or vaccine researchers, we are in no position to question efficacy or manufacturers’ directions for a FDA-approved vaccine product on a size-dependent, case-by-case basis or on any other basis. It would be the height of hubris to suggest we can.”
My interpretation of that statement:
Goldman is stating that although vets are not immunologists or vaccine researchers, they are not in a position to administer vaccines in ways that the manufacturers state on the label despite research performed by non-biased immunology and vaccine scientists that are not affiliated with the manufactures.
Who is Dr. Goldman?
He is a great man; he was a four-time recipient of competitive AVMF (American Veterinary Medical Foundation) project grants, and innovated many of its programs. I’m being sarcastic. The AVMF is supported by the pet food industry and the pharmaceutical industry (and Dr. Goldman). It is not a far leap to surmise where his loyalties lie.
His statement above sides with the pharmaceutical industry – not with science and animal welfare.
CVMF is partnered with the CVMA (Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association). Their members consist of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who (according to them, “donate their time and expertise to help lessen the likelihood people will be exposed to Rabies through their pets.”
WAIT!!! How can a person contract rabies from a pet? A dog would have to be bitten (with fluid transferred) in order to contract rabies. It is more likely that a person would contract rabies from a rabid animal (the beginning of the proverbial chain). How many pets are in contact with rabid animals? It is far fetched to imagine that the purpose for vaccinating our pets is to protect humans. Most of us are under the impression that the vaccines prevent DOGS themselves from contracting rabies. The CVMA Rabies clinics support CVMF in that a portion of the proceeds are donated to support CVMF programs.
WAIT!!! Goldman a chairman on the board of directors of the CVMF. I smell a conflict of interest here.
The CVMF has a Rabies Immunization Program. While technically not a CVMF program, the CVMA Rabies clinics support CVMF by donating a portion of the clinic proceeds to support all CVMF programs. They state that this program prevents our pets from transferring rabies to humans. WAIT!!! That doesn’t sound like protecting dogs from getting rabies.
The AVMA holds conventions each year. This event SHOULD be an opportunity for veterinary professionals to gather unbiased information for learning. However, many presenters are corporations which have booths to supply professionals with their newest products. There are also corporate sponsors for lectures. So what that have anything to do with it? Well, if a vaccine manufacturer is in bed with the AVMA and other veterinary organizations, it is understandable that the AVMA would handle legislation in a way that would be in the best interest of the vaccine manufacturer to keep their profits up.
The work of Dr. Ronald Schultz and Dr. Jean Dodds who are renowned veterinary experts in immunology AND vaccinology make it clear that Goldman’s opinion is way off and that Dr. Robb’s methodology is valid. They have done an enormous amount of research on the subject. Schultz’s and Dodds’s work is responsible for the change in protocol from the 1 year rabies to 3 year rabies (both of which are the same with exception to the numbers printed on the label).
By the way, Schultz and Dodds completed their study on Rabies. Please check out my article 2020 Rabies Vaccine Study – How Long Does the Shot REALLY Last???
There are certainly conflicts of interest. It boils down to money. It is likely that Dr. Robb has so many obstacles with regard to vaccine dosing because of people how are on the higher tiers of veterinary organizations like the AVMA and the CVMF. Goldman has a lot of power. It is a pity that many people who have high positions in such organizations would be more influenced by corporate greed when the focus should be on caring for our pets.
An excellent article to check out is Conflicts of Interest in the Veterinary Profession.
Let’s hope that this bill is passed and that the rest of the country will follow.See my articles Are Dog Vaccines Really Safe? and Vets Cash in on Vaccines (which includes a in-depth interview with Schultz about vaccines which a vast number of conventional vets ignore). Animal Wellness magazine also has a great article Should Small Dogs Receive The Same Amount Of Vaccine As Big Dogs?
Sources:
|
“Conn. bill permits veterinarians to alter vaccine protocols, dosages – VIN.” Conn. bill permits veterinarians to alter vaccine protocols, dosages – VIN. State of Connecticut General Assembly, Jan. 2017. Web. 26 Feb. 2017. <http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=43849>. Siciliano, Stephen. “Conn. bill permits veterinarians to alter vaccine protocols, dosages – VIN.” Conn. bill permits veterinarians to alter vaccine protocols, dosages – VIN. The VIN News Service, 21 Feb. 2017. Web. 26 Feb. 2017. <http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=43849>. |
12 thoughts on “Update on Dr. Robb – The Hero”
Hello, Dr. Robb! Congratulations on your new blog! I would like to request an appointment for my Daisy, for her anual check up. If you are not available, could you please recommend another veterinarian?
Thank you very much!
Sincerely yours,
Waleska Passick
Hi there-
Thank you for checking out my website. I am responding to your comment the same way as the other person’s comment because both comments are so similar. This is not Dr. Robb’s Website. You would need to contact him.
Before you go to any vet, please read my article Are Vaccines Really Safe. Unfortunately pet parents need to be very proactive when it comes to the health of their pets. It’s not as if we can blindly trust many vets who choose not to do the right thing.
All the best
Janie
This is Wonderful news!! How can I get started to help change Ohio laws on this matter? I am nobody, just a concerned and very loving pet owner and Breeder of Traditional Yorkshire Terriers!! Thank you all for all of your pushing on and fantastic research!!
Hi April-
Thank you for checking out my website. This is not Dr. Robb’s Website. You would need to contact him.
Before you go to any vet, please read my article Are Vaccines Really Safe. Unfortunately pet parents need to be very proactive when it comes to the health of their pets. It’s not as if we can blindly trust many vets who choose not to do the right thing.
All the best
Janie
How do I get a titer test through you for 54.00?
Hi Patsy-
Thank you for writing. I personally do not provide titer testing. You would need to go to a vet. It is not uncommon for convenional vets simply vaccinate without even mentioning the option of doing titer tests. Vaccines is FAR more lucrative. The best bet is to go to a holistic vet who knows about vaccines and knows how to read titer tests.
I have other vaccine articles: Are Dog Vaccines Really Safe and Vets Cash in on Vaccines.
All the best
Janie
Janie, very interesting comment you made that we would need to go to a vet to get a titer test. I want to get a titer test for my mini dachshund who suffers from pancreatitis. She is supposed to have a rabies injection soon and I have held off, explaining to the doc that I don’t believe she’s healthy enough for that vaccine. I asked for a titer test, this vet says there is no such test available. Where can I get information to bring to him and place it in his hand to read so he can become educated on titer testing?
Hi Mitzi-
Thank you so much for checking out my articles. It is impossible for me to imagine that a vet does not know about how to test for antiboidies. If he didn’t know, then he should be vaccinating himself for rabies on a yearly basis! One shot usually works for a lifetime. He has probably not been vaccinated since vet school. Please check out the following articles and show your vet what you think is appropriate. I get really angry about vets when they don’t know how do do the simplest things. If they don’t know any better then that is being irresponsible. It is their responsibility to know these basics and it is unethical to treat animals if a vet doesn’t have appropriate education. That’s unethical. If they DO know better, but over-vaccinate despite, then it’s putting the health of animals at risk for the sake of cashing in. That is also an unethical practice. Check out: Vaccine Info.. If a dog is in the condition that yours is in then there are rabies waivers that your vet SHOULD be aware of. Medical Exemptions for Rabies Vaccines. Your dog should NOT be getting ANY vaccines at this point, but if your state has no exemptions, then you might be stuck. In that case, make sure he gives the thimerosal-free 2-year rabies vaccine made by Merial – I think that’s the only manufacturer that makes thimerosal-free rabies.
Thanks again
All the best
Janie
We have 7 small rescue dogs. Where can we get them titered in either Sarasota, Florida or Mountain Rest, SC? My husband was a combat medic. Is it possible to get a kit and titer them ourselves? They being Maltese and Chihuahuas do have bad reactions. I was thinking of not getting the 5 in once shot. They are so tiny
Hi Joan-
Thank you for checking out my article. I don’t know if these tests are available to the public. I would suggest calling vets directly and asking them if they offer titer testing. You would be best off with a holistic vet who would understand how vaccines work and is familiar with titer tests. I suggest NOT vaccinating them any more (except for the required 3-year rabies). Please check out my article Are Dog Vaccines Really Safe?. It will provide you with important imformation so that will empower you as a dog owner. It will help you to identify which vets are abusing vaccines and which ones are ethical and know what they are doing. It will also enable you to know exactly what to ask for so your dogs will be able to receive good care.
I hope that advice will help you.
Bravo to you for rescuing!
All the very best,
Janie
Interesting that the CDC Vaccination Information Statement regarding Rabies immunisation in humans states that the doses are given in three stages, the second and third 7 and 28 days after the first.
It then goes on to say that “periodic testing for immunity is recommended, and booster doses should be given as needed.”
Why can’t that be the same for dogs?
[Link deleted]
Hi Casie-
Thanks so much for visiting my website and for your comment.
The CDC information you included states very clearly and definitively what the stages of administration are. Then when it comes to immunity testing they get a little more hazy so it leaves it up to a doctor to let you know if he/she wants to cash in on giving you an unnecessary vaccine. It’s as if the establishment of immunity is a mystery. So what is periodic? Do they mean every couple of weeks?
Hmmm… Why is it different? Well, I would ask another question. Who is in bed with the corporations making the vaccines? It gets down and dirty. There is tons of research available, but how much of it is performed outside the corporate world? You can read a report called, Conflicts of interest in Vaccine Safety Research or google “CDC conflicts of interest” to find more.
Even medical programs are guided by the pet industry (i.e., Hills, Merck…). Vaccines are even promoted on TV (I think Reagan signed that deal). Government has a lot to do with it. It sounds like a conspiracy theory, but it is not a theory. This is what goes on.
Unfortunately, money is held with higher regard than our health. It’s sad, but true.
Thanks again for writing.
All the best,
Janie