We had a meeting at the kennel with reps from Pfizer and Dr Crawford from Lawndale vets. This is my take on the vaccine.
This vaccine has been out to the vet clinics since October.
According to the pamphlet and the presenter, who was a vet that is employed by Pfizer, there are 3 kinds of bacteria in a dogs mouth as compared to 1 kind in most humans. These bacteria accumulate in the dogs mouth and form soft plaque which hardens into tartar if the "teeth are not brushed." How many of us have seen that ugly brown tartar on the dogs that we have adopted.
Well, if that is not removed it in turn causes periodontal disease which causes the red gums, tartar buildup etc., then goes on and starts eating into the bone causing tooth and bone loss etc.
This is from the pamphlet.
Q. If my dog receives the vaccine, are cleaning and brushing still necessary?
A. The Porphyromonas vaccine should be used as part of a total dental care package that includes at-home care and professional cleanings. Even with the use of the vaccine, tartar and plaque may still develop.

What they are suggesting is an initial shot-after teeth cleaning- and a 2nd shot 3 weeks later. Then it is up to your vet to decide how often supplemental shots are needed-suggested every 6 months.
The big thing is-if you don't brush your dogs teeth on a steady basis-this is not going to work. The vaccine will be in the blood stream to kill some of the bacteria, but it can't do it all alone. At least 85% of dogs owners don't brush their dogs teeth-I plead guilty to that.
So far, in tests on over 600 dogs, all different breeds including mixed breeds, they haven't run into any side effects, but as with all new vaccines, only time will tell.
Only you can make the decision as to whether you will have your dog get the vaccine.
Dr Crawford from Lawndale said they will charge $18 a shot and I didn't ask if after the first 2 if it is just like a single shot after that. Clinics can charge whatever they want to for these shots.
If you have any other questions, you will have to take that up with your vet.
This is what I took out of the meeting-and as it is fairly new, no one knows how effective it will be yet.

Very interesting. Thanks for taking notes and sharing!
Sounds like these shots are not bullet proof either, brushing is the key to clean teeth.

No magic bullet, but I think if I had a 'hound with a tendency towards bad teeth, I'd seriously consider the vaccine -- excessive mouth bacteria can also cause problem with the heart and the kidneys.

-Shalea (missing Larson)

Gracie got the vaccine last week and will get her 2nd shot in three weeks when she gets her teeth cleaned. My vet said there would no problem getting the first shot prior to a cleaning since 1. her teeth weren't too bad and 2. since she was scheduled for a cleaning. Vet's group had been wined and dined by Pfizer and he felt comfortable using the product.