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Can my dog's distemper/parvo vaccine truly last for three years?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | neutered | 3 years and 8 months old | 61 lbs

Read somewhere that DHapp 3 can be safely vaccinated every three years. Is this true? He goes to dog parks a 1-2 times a week. He has a good immune system. Parents just split up and his vaccinations time is at the end of April. According to vet records it was given as a puppy then at three years old. I would like to get him vaccinated but my mom is saying she can’t afford it due to the cost of paperwork and having just spayed our puppy and buying the puppy (she was 1000 dollars)

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on March 31st, 2018

Yes, there are some distemper/parvo vaccines that can safely be given every 3 years. Puppies though need a series of vaccines to help build their immune system. Adults that have previously had vaccines can receive this vaccine every 3 years IF that is the type of vaccine that was given. I would contact the vet where he received the last vaccine and ask them whether they give the 1 or 3 year distemper/parvo vaccine to just make sure. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Eryn Taormina, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 16th, 2019

    Hi there! It's hard to say honestly without titer testing how any dog's immune system is functioning. However, I can provide you with some additional information based on how we vaccinate where I practice. We administer the DHPP (distemper-hepatitis-parainfluenza-parvo) vaccine in a booster series as puppies. After the final booster is given, it lasts a year. At that 1 year mark, we will do a 3 year booster for this vaccine. However, in a lecture I attended this past fall, the speaker brought up the fact that without testing, we don't know if the titers are lasting those 3 years, less than that, or even longer in some cases. The only way to know is to evaluate the dog's immunity. Having a conversation with your veterinarian in this situation is key. They may be vaccinating because of the diseases being more prevalent in your area, so I'd double check that. If not, perhaps they would be comfortable moving your booster out for longer stretches of time. This will depend on the manufacturer of the vaccine as well as your vet's recommendations. If the brand of vaccine they use is not labeled to go out that long without a booster, then the vet may not be able to do it. Another option, which I offer to my clients who are concerned about this same issue, is a referral to a holistic veterinarian who may be able to do the titer testing for you. I again would definitely have a conversation with your vet. I always welcome my clients to discuss anything at all that may make them feel uneasy as we go along. . I'm sure that Cruz's vet feels the same. I hope though, that I have provided some useful information for you in the meantime. Best of luck!

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