What are Core and Noncore Vaccines?

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) released a set of canine vaccine guidelines in 2003 (and revised in 2006) regarding canine vaccination.

In the revised guidelines, the AAHA classified canine vaccines into core and noncore (optional).

According to AAHA, core vaccines are those that all dogs should receive in order to protect against diseases that are more serious or potentially fatal. These diseases are found in all areas of North America and are more easily transmitted than noncore diseases. The AAHA guidelines define the following as core vaccines: distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and rabies.

Noncore vaccines should be given selectively, depending on a dog's particular geographic and lifestyle exposure. According to the AAHA guidelines, vaccines for kennel cough, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis are noncore vaccines.