Discussion and Considerations
Vaccination is a valuable and necessary component of a good wellcare plan when done judiciously and with an individual pet's needs in mind. Vaccinations are not benign, as most vaccines induce a powerful immune response. We are lucky that we have access to these vaccines so that we can protect our pets from many common, deadly diseases. But keep in mind that overusing a vaccine can also predispose your pet to unnecessary inflammation and potential aberrant immune responses.
Rabies Vaccine
First, vaccinating against the rabies virus is a no brainer- I absolutely always recommend following your county guidelines for rabies vaccination. Pets and farm animals are at risk for rabies infection nationwide and new cases are reported to the CDC monthly (except in Hawaii). There exists a reservoir of rabies virus among different wildlife populations including but not limited to bats, skunks, foxes, opossums, and racoons. Rabies is easily transmitted from animals to humans and dying from the rabies virus is no way to go. Enough said. Beyond the rabies virus, what else to vaccinate for becomes a little bit more customizable in my opinion. Below is the AAHA guidelines for their feline rabies vaccination protocol. Vaccines are to be given at or below the right knee. A non adjuvenated vaccine is preferable if available. Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement and you must follow your state/county guidelines but most municipalities adhere to this protocol. Do, however, consider spacing the inoculations so that rabies is not given on the same day as an additional vaccination is given.
Rabies 1-year (vaccine that is labeled for one year)
Initial vaccination in kittens < 16 weeks of age:
- One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law
Initial vaccination in cats > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
- For all cats: annually as required by law
Rabies 3-year (vaccine that is labeled for three years)
Initial vaccination in kittens < 16 weeks of age:
- One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law
Initial vaccination in cats > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
For all cats: within 1 year of initial dose regardless of age at time of initial dose, then every 3 years thereafter as required by law
Rabies 1-year (vaccine that is labeled for one year)
Initial vaccination in kittens < 16 weeks of age:
- One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law
Initial vaccination in cats > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
- For all cats: annually as required by law
Rabies 3-year (vaccine that is labeled for three years)
Initial vaccination in kittens < 16 weeks of age:
- One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law
Initial vaccination in cats > 16 weeks of age:
- One dose
Revaccination:
For all cats: within 1 year of initial dose regardless of age at time of initial dose, then every 3 years thereafter as required by law
Feline Core Vaccines
FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis or herpes virus 1; calicivirus, parvovirus or panleukopenia)
FVRCP vaccinations should be given subcutaneously at/below the right elbow.
-The FVRCP vaccine is given initially between 6-8 weeks of age and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.
-If cats are older than 16 weeks at the start of vaccinations, a series of 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart are given.
-A booster vaccine is then given at 1 year of age and then every 3 years thereafter for both scenarios.
*panleukopenia can be given as above via injection and the rhinotracheitis and calicivirus given as above but intranasally. Cats that are vaccinated with intranasal vaccine may have annual boosters if they are frequently boarded or groomed.
**They should be non-adjuvanted products when at all possible.
***Immunosuppressed (FeLV and FIV positive cats, pregnant, etc.) should receive only KILLED products.
FVRCP vaccinations should be given subcutaneously at/below the right elbow.
-The FVRCP vaccine is given initially between 6-8 weeks of age and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.
-If cats are older than 16 weeks at the start of vaccinations, a series of 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart are given.
-A booster vaccine is then given at 1 year of age and then every 3 years thereafter for both scenarios.
*panleukopenia can be given as above via injection and the rhinotracheitis and calicivirus given as above but intranasally. Cats that are vaccinated with intranasal vaccine may have annual boosters if they are frequently boarded or groomed.
**They should be non-adjuvanted products when at all possible.
***Immunosuppressed (FeLV and FIV positive cats, pregnant, etc.) should receive only KILLED products.
Feline Non Core Vaccines
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
-FELV is recommend for kittens and cats that have a high risk of exposure to other outdoor cats . The first vaccine is started at 9 weeks of age, boosted in 3-4 weeks and then yearly. This vaccine has a direct link to causing fibrosarcomas in cats. A new, non adjuvated version of the vaccine has recently become available but there is no data as to its safety and efficacy.
*Only 15% of adult cats are susceptible to FELV; natural immunity comes with age. Many adult cats do not need FELV even if they are outdoor cats. Discuss this with your veterinarian.
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), Chlamydophilia felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), and Giardia spp. vaccinations.**
Not recommended for a variety of reasons!
-FELV is recommend for kittens and cats that have a high risk of exposure to other outdoor cats . The first vaccine is started at 9 weeks of age, boosted in 3-4 weeks and then yearly. This vaccine has a direct link to causing fibrosarcomas in cats. A new, non adjuvated version of the vaccine has recently become available but there is no data as to its safety and efficacy.
*Only 15% of adult cats are susceptible to FELV; natural immunity comes with age. Many adult cats do not need FELV even if they are outdoor cats. Discuss this with your veterinarian.
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), Chlamydophilia felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), and Giardia spp. vaccinations.**
Not recommended for a variety of reasons!
**Note that my thoughts on small animal wellcare, including nutritional needs and vaccination strategies, are not intended to be general medical advice. Please discuss any of the above topics with your own veterinary medical provider!