Reporting Reactions

Reporting Reactions to Vaccines, Veterinary Drugs and Pet Foods

Important: if your pet is showing signs of an allergic reaction (head swelling, hives, vomiting, collapse, unconsiousness, respiratory distress, etc.), see your vet immediately.  This is a very serious situation. If your vet is not available, seek immediate help at an emergency clinic. For more information on allergic reactions see http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/VaccineGuidelines06Revised.pdf page 16.

Report any possible vaccine reaction whether or not the event can be directly attributed to the vaccine. Vaccine reactions can happen days, weeks and even years after vaccination.  http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/VaccineGuidelines06Revised.pdf page 15.  https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Reporting-Adverse-Events.aspx 

Report vaccine reactions as soon as you suspect them to your veterinarian. Make sure your report is recorded in your pet’s file. Get a copy of the file. Gather information about the vaccine (lot/serial #, manufacturer, drug name, product code, expiration date) and contact information for the professional vaccinating the animal. Get a copy of the vaccine “package insert.”  It will list common reactions.

Ask your veterinarian to report the reaction to the USDA and drug manufacturer and make sure it is done. Underreporting is commonplace.

If your veterinarian doesn’t make a prompt report, report the reaction yourself to the USDA.  This will help authorities recognize patterns and dangerous drugs.  Note: they call vaccines “biologics.”

Next, report the event to the vaccine manufacturer. Find contact information here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_biologics/publications/ICAERBrochure.pdf or  http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/VaccineGuidelines06Revised.pdf page 16.  Sometimes, rarely, manufacturers will pay for additional tests or for treatments, but they have no legal liability to do so.

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DRUGS: Report reactions to Veterinary Drugs Other than Vaccines here.  The USDA regulates vaccines; the FDA regulates other drugs.

PESTICIDES: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Safe-Use-of-Flea-and-Tick-Products-in-Pets.aspx

PET FOOD: Report Pet Food Problems here.  Report suspected contaminants.

To report veterinary misconduct, locate your state veterinary board here: Veterinary Regulatory Boards   To learn more about veterinary liability, see http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/VaccineGuidelines06Revised.pdf  page 17.

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on this page.

Additional links of interest:

Vaccine Reactions: Underreported, Unrecognized But Not Unimportant

Questions to Ask Before Vaccinating 

What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction

Why Vets Don’t Recognize Vaccine Reactions

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3 Responses to Reporting Reactions

  1. Vaccine Questions to Ask Your Vet - Dogs Naturally Magazine on March 29, 2018 at 6:48 am

    […] vaccinating vet (or emergency vet) and recorded in your pet’s file. Click here to learn how to report adverse vaccine reactions. Do not presume your vet will report any […]

  2. Your Dog's New Health Problem: Is It a Vaccine Reaction? | Truth4Dogs on January 14, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    […] Do not expect your veterinarian to report a reaction; vets should, but rarely do. My webpage, “Reporting Vaccine Reactions,” has links on how and where to file. (Read Does Your State Permit Rabies Vaccination Medical […]

  3. Reaction to rabies shot - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community on November 8, 2012 at 5:24 am

    […] one the chances of it happening again is more likely than not and the reaction could be worse. Reporting Reactions | Truth4Pets Your Dog's Vaccine Reaction: | Truth4Dogs States Allowing Medical Exemptions for Rabies […]

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