Roundtable 4: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Advancing Infection Control in Veterinary Medicine

As public discourse around vaccine hesitancy continues in human health care, veterinarians occasionally encounter similar concerns from pet owners. However, according to professionals working in veterinary hospitals and clinics, this trend has not yet posed a widespread challenge in the animal health field. While most clients still trust the importance of vaccinations for their pets, occasional hesitation—especially from long-time pet owners or those unfamiliar with protocols—does occur.

In many hospitals, core vaccines are mandatory for participation in primary care services. When animals arrive without documented vaccination histories—particularly through services outside of primary care—it can lead to logistical and safety issues, especially in cases involving bites or potential zoonotic disease exposure. Staff may be forced to quarantine animals or initiate rabies testing protocols, which can have serious consequences for both animal and human health.

The Roundtable discussion also covered that the decision to vaccinate is occasionally met with questions from pet owners, particularly when veterinarians recommend early administration or bundling multiple vaccines into a single visit. While pet parents may be cautious—preferring to space out vaccines or adhere strictly to due dates—veterinary professionals often encourage proactive vaccination during visits due to concerns about client follow-up and the high cost of delayed care. This reflects a balance between medical caution and logistical reality.

Beyond individual concerns, a more pressing issue facing the veterinary infection prevention field is the lack of resources and infrastructure. Infection prevention and control (IPC) in animal care settings remains underfunded and underrecognized, despite its essential role in One Health—the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Many veterinary professionals call for more structured education, training, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The veterinary professionals believe consistent communication, better access to IPC resources, and administrative support are critical. Empowering staff through training and allocating time and funding for IPC responsibilities can help prevent disease transmission between animals and humans. By strengthening advocacy and education efforts, the veterinary community hopes to advance infection control standards across all animal care environments—from clinics to shelters to mobile units.

This growing focus is supported by initiatives such as the new veterinary chapter within the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The chapter provides a collaborative space for veterinary IPC experts to develop guidance and advocate for broader recognition of infection control in animal health. Through increased communication, shared expertise, and the commitment of organizations like APIC, the future of veterinary IPC looks more connected, empowered, and prepared to tackle evolving challenges.