The use of vaccines to prevent and control infectious disease is an accepted and necessary method of preventative health care in veterinary medicine.  However, vaccinating every patient against every possible disease on an annual basis carries risks and may be harmful.  In fact, in 1991 veterinarians began to notice a higher than expected number of tumors (called sarcomas) occurring at the sites of vaccine injections in cats.  The incidence of these injection-associated sarcomas is 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 10,000 cats.  The incidence of this tumor in combination with recent research on the duration of vaccine efficacy has lead the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Academy of Feline Medicine to propose new guidelines for revaccination of cats.

Although no age group can be considered entirely free from risk, kittens (less than 6 months of age) are generally more susceptible to infection than adult cats following exposure and therefore, represent the principal target population for feline vaccination protocols.  The following recommendations are simply guidelines, and we will design a vaccination program specifically for your cat that protects against infectious disease and is as safe as possible. 

Even with this new conservative protocol, some cats may have vaccine reactions.  Many cats may be lethargic or sore after vaccination, which is a normal response.  However, if you notice that your cat vomits, stops eating, or develops a lump at the site of the vaccine injection, or other signs of illness, please call the hospital as soon as possible.

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Vaccine Recommendations

Regardless of the vaccines that your cat may require, we recommend a physical exam every 6 months to evaluate your pet’s health. Remember cats age faster than humans. Every 1 year of your pet’s life is equivalent to 5-6 human years. During these regular checkups your veterinarian can identify any developing problems including dental disease, heart disease, and other diseases which might not be apparent to you at home.  With early detection, many of these diseases may be treated or even prevented.  Although our vaccine protocol has changed, an exam every six months with a veterinarian is still crucial to insure your cat’s continued health.

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FVRCP

Recommendation for vaccination series:

• A series of two vaccines:

• one at 8-9 weeks

• one at 12-13 weeks.

• >12 weeks of age: 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart

• Booster interval: 1 year later, then every 3 years

Rabies

Recommendation for vaccination series:

• < 16 weeks: do not vaccinate

• > 16 weeks: 1 dose

• Booster Interval: Non-adjuvanated Pure-Vax rabies annually

FeLV (feline leukemia)

Recommendations for vaccination series:

• 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart beginning at 8 weeks of age or older

• Booster Interval: 1 year later, then at doctor’s discretion depending on patient’s risk factors.

Note: Annual retesting is recommended for FELV and FIV for all indoor/outdoor cats.

FIV vaccine is not recommended.

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