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Should I skip my small puppy's 12-week vaccine due to mom's immunity?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Saint Bernard | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 7 days old | 31 lbs

I have been reading a lot of conflicting info on puppy vaccinations and their ineffectiveness until a later age due to the mother passing on immunity. I hate to over vaccinate. Seeing as he already had a shots at 5 weeks and the 5 way at 9 weeks Can I hold off and just give him the 5 way again at 16 weeks and skip the 12 weeks shot. He is already on the smaller side of his litter, I just don’t want to overload him. Thanks in advance

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on November 13th, 2017

I would not advise to skip the 12 week set. As the antibodies wear off, he will lack immunity. The idea is that the vaccine will stimulate his immune system. As long as he has mom's antibodies, his immune system will not fully react to the vaccine. The reason they get so many vaccines is that you are trying to make sure he has vaccines on board during the time of the shifting between his mom's antibodies and his own immune system taking over. You will not over vaccine him. Its better to be safe than to risk Parvo. The main time I worry about vaccines is when dogs are getting 3 or more vaccines at a time. Smaller dogs and certain breeds are more prone to vaccine reactions. So if anything, separate out vaccines so that he is not getting a bunch all at once. I hope this helps and congratulations on adding Brady to your family!

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 6th, 2018

    Generally speaking, the reason vaccinations are given in series like this is because the maternal antibodies that the mother passed to the puppies in her milk will shorten the effectiveness of the vaccination. There should be only one series remaining, the final Distemper/parvo combination vaccination and the rabies vaccination. The next vaccinations will then be in one year, with some vaccinations able to be given less frequently, depending on local laws. I recommend getting all the vaccinations completed to ensure your puppy gets the maximum protection and benefit from the vaccination series.

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