[krdahmer]

Aw sorry to hear that Vlad was so stressed out.

I've opted not to get the vaccines for my guys for the last 2 years....they never go outside and are rarely if ever in contact with other animals (plus there was another thread about vaccines a while back that had a lot of useful info). But every time I call the vet with a question or problem (like Windy's last week) they automatically give me the vaccine/ yearly check up schpeal... I wouldn't mind doing a yearly wellness exam, if it didn't cost $65 just to step into the office, and if when I was there they didn't use just the fact that I was there as an excuse to vaccinate! I have been considering for quite some time now trying to find a vet that would come to the house to do a check up once every year or two... just to see if I miss anything, although I pet them all every day and do try to notice any changes.... plus I even go so far as to count and check out all the pee clumps and poos in the box to make sure everyone is going ok. Last time I had them all vaccinated if was 6 cats x $90... and i would gladly spend that in a heartbeat if I thought they got something out of it other than, yep they're healthy and their current weight and shots I'm not sure they even need.

And with the exception of the H1N1 vaccine (because of my asthma and diabetes) I also don't get a yearly flu shot and the like...( unless I had no choice for travel requirements or something). I think that all these modern medicines are great (especially fond of insulin ) but that we are too quick to pump in the drugs when some natural immunity is what we really need to build up by getting sick. Since I stopped medicating myself every time I get the sniffles I find that I'm getting sick much less often and the rare time I do pick up a bug, it's gone in a matter of a couple days.