Understanding Vaccine Labels

Vaccines are an essential tool for aiding in the prevention and control of infectious diseases in cattle. There are 100’s vaccines and vaccine combinations available for cattle producers. Selecting and using the right vaccines is an essential part of any successful cattle operation.

With all the choices available, it's important to understand the labelling guidelines.

There are 5 possible levels of protection:

• Prevention of infection
• Prevention of disease
• Aid in disease prevention
• Aid in disease control
• Other claims

In each instance, data generated by the vaccine manufacturer must fully support label indications and accurately reflect the expected performance of the product.

In deciding on a vaccine program for your cattle, consult with a veterinarian, who can help you choose the most effective products and develop the best program for your operation. We also encourage you to read vaccine labels and become knowledgeable on what they are indicated for and what their limits are.

Example:

Let’s examine what each of those sections is about, using Vira Shield® 6 as an example. Vira Shield 6 is a vaccine that prevents several respiratory and reproductive diseases in cattle.

Indications—This section tells you what disease or diseases the vaccine prevents and what types of cows should receive the vaccine.

For use in healthy cattle, including pregnant cows and heifers, as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD Type 1 and BVD Type 2), parainfluenza type 3 (PI3), and bovine respiratory syncytial (BRSV) viruses. Produced from non-cytopathic (BVD Type 1 and BVD Type 2) and cytopathic (BVD Type 1) isolates.

Directions—This section explains how to give the vaccine to the cow, including the quantity or volume of vaccine a cow should receive. The two most common routes of vaccine administration are intramuscular, which means injecting directly into the muscle, and subcutaneous, which means injecting just under the skin.

Shake well before using. Administer 5 mL subcutaneously. In accordance with Beef Quality Assurance guidelines, this product should be administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in the neck. Revaccinate in 4-5 weeks. Vaccinate dairy cows at dry-off. Revaccinate annually or as recommended by your veterinarian.

Precautions—This section includes warnings and safety information about storage, handling and any types of cows that should not be given this vaccine due to safety reasons. Pay close attention to this section. If the vaccine is not safe for certain types of cows – like pregnant cows or young calves – that information will be included in this section. Vira Shield is safe for all cows and calves, so there are no such warnings on its label.

Store out of direct sunlight at 2°-7°C (35°-45°F). DO NOT FREEZE. Use entire contents when first opened. Do not vaccinate within 60 days prior to slaughter. Transient swelling may occur at the site of injection. Anaphylactic reactions may occur. Symptomatic treatment: Epinephrine. Contains amphotericin B, gentamicin, and thimerosal as preservatives.

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