NOAH calls on vets to support #VaccinesWork campaign
20th December 2019
This winter NOAH is driving the #VaccinesWork campaign, initiated in the veterinary sector by RUMA in 2018.
Starting in the New Year, the benefits of vaccination will be communicated to both farmers and pet owners, initially focussing on farm use.
- To raise awareness of how and why vaccines work and the range of diseases they protect against
- To review and improve how vaccines are stored and administered
- To encourage better uptake of existing vaccines
Further information and tips on storing and using vaccines correctly will be shared, to help ensure that vaccines used will be effective.
Research has shown that:
- Only 53% farmers know the correct temperature for vaccine storage
- 73% do not have a separate thermometer or data logger
- Less than 10% check fridge temperatures daily
Dawn Howard, NOAH’s Chief Executive said: “It is encouraging that vaccination of the UK’s calves and sheep against livestock diseases has risen to one of the highest levels in seven years. (1) This increase is encouraging, however still more needs to be done in relation to uptake, storage and usage. We are asking the vet profession to support the #VaccinesWork campaign by spreading the messages with their clients and engaging on social media.”
“We will be providing information for farmers e.g. if vaccines are not stored correctly, it will impact on their potency, meaning they could be less effective – not only will there be the potential for the vaccine to fail to protect animals against disease but also farmers may have wasted their efforts – and may be deterred from vaccinating again.”
“Vaccinations play a key role in preserving animal welfare, productivity, sustainability and resilience of farms, and support delivery of NOAH’s Vision of Animal Health and Welfare in the UK”,(2) said Dawn.
Whilst correct use by farmers is the initial focus, the campaign will include pets. Dawn Howard explained: “The topic of vaccine hesitancy is becoming increasingly important. Recognised by the WHO as one of the top 10 global health threats for people in 2019, this phenomenon is translating to the veterinary sector as well, especially in companion animals. The PDSA reports an ‘alarming’ drop in pet vaccinations: the proportion of pet dogs, cats and rabbits receiving a primary course when young has fallen by 18% over the past 3 years, down to 66%.” (3)
“This is bad news for the health and welfare of the nation’s pets, who are increasingly at risk of disease, and we need to work to address this,” she added.
Notes for Editors
For more information please contact Alison Glennon at NOAH on 020 8367 3131 or see www.noah.co.uk
NOAH represents the UK animal health industry. It promotes the benefits of safe, effective, quality products and services for the health and welfare of all animals.
The #VaccinesWork campaign will run on NOAH social media @UKNOAH and on NOAH’s website https://www.noah.co.uk/campaigns/vaccineswork/ and will be supported by RUMA members
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