💉 Why Vaccination Matters
Bordetella infections are highly contagious. Fortunately, vaccination is a reliable way to reduce the severity, duration, and transmission of illness across species. But not all vaccines are created equal.
This guide breaks down vaccine types, administration methods, and timing for every major species.
🐶 Dogs – Protecting Against Kennel Cough
✅ Vaccine Types:
- Intranasal (IN) – modified live; stimulates mucosal immunity
- Oral – modified live; palatable, easy to give
- Injectable (SQ) – killed bacteria; systemic immunity
| Feature | Intranasal | Oral | Injectable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset of immunity | 3–5 days | 5–7 days | 7–10 days |
| Duration | ~12 months | ~12 months | ~12 months |
| Use in puppies? | Yes (after 3 wks) | Yes (after 8 wks) | Yes (after 6 wks) |
| Ideal for? | Boarding/daycare | Home pet owners | High-risk dogs |
Best choice: For most dogs, intranasal or oral vaccines offer the fastest, most robust protection.
🕒 Suggested Schedule:
- Puppies: Start at 6–8 weeks, repeat every 2–4 weeks until 16 weeks
- Adults: Annual booster, or semiannual in high-risk settings
🐱 Cats – Not Core, But Often Useful
Cats don’t receive Bordetella vaccines by default. But in high-risk environments (shelters, catteries), IN vaccines are sometimes used.
- Only intranasal is licensed for cats
- May reduce shedding and symptom severity
- Rarely causes mild sneezing for 2–3 days post-vaccination
When to Use:
- Multi-cat households
- Foster programs
- Cats exposed to dogs with kennel cough
🐖 Swine – Managing Atrophic Rhinitis
Commercial piglets are often vaccinated with combination vaccines:
- B. bronchiseptica + Pasteurella multocida
- Given via injection (IM) around 1–2 weeks of age
Goals:
- Prevent turbinate atrophy
- Reduce sneezing and secondary infections
Schedule: Often given twice—once early, then a booster 2–4 weeks later.
Note: Adult pigs (sows, boars) are typically not vaccinated unless an outbreak is present.
👶 Humans – DTaP, Tdap & Beyond
Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) is targeted by acellular vaccines:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) – for infants/children
- Tdap – for teens and adults
CDC Schedule:
- DTaP: 5-dose series at 2, 4, 6, 15–18 months, and 4–6 years
- Tdap: Once at 11–12 years, then booster every 10 years
- Pregnancy: 1 dose during each pregnancy (27–36 weeks)
Why Boost?
Immunity to pertussis wanes over time—even after natural infection.
🔄 Comparative Snapshot
| Species | Vaccine Type(s) | Onset | Duration | Delivery | Boosters? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | IN, Oral, Injectable | 3–10d | 1 year | Nose, Mouth, SQ | Yes |
| Cat | Intranasal (off-label) | 4–7d | ~1 year | Nose | Optional |
| Pig | Injectable combo | ~7d | 6–12 mo | IM | Yes |
| Human | Acellular DTaP/Tdap | 10–14d | Years | IM | Yes |
🧠 Vaccine FAQs
Q: Can dogs still get kennel cough if vaccinated?
A: Yes—but symptoms are usually mild and brief.
Q: Is there a universal Bordetella vaccine across species?
A: No. Each species has tailored strains and adjuvants.
Q: Are side effects common?
A: Mild effects like sneezing (IN) or soreness (IM) are typical, but serious reactions are rare.
🧭 Learn More
- Compare Vaccines Head-to-Head
- Calculate Dosage Based on Species & Weight
- Reach Out to a Veterinarian
The right vaccine, given the right way, at the right time, can stop Bordetella in its tracks.