Let's talk about vaccines

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

Which type of vaccine -- adjuvanted or non-adjuvanted is considered safest?

For healthy cats, at what age would you stop giving them vaccinations and which ones would you stop?

One of the boys is due for his fvrcp vaccine and given that he is just over a year old, I am thinking that it makes sense to give this vaccine.

 

[BJM]

Answer the following, to consider the decision in context:

1) Was he ever given this vaccine?
- No? I'd probably do it.

2) Is he an indoor only with minimal risk of exposure?
- If he's ever been vaccinated, then I might not repeat it.

3) are you frequently exposed to stray/feral/unvaccinnated cats? Do you strip off the potentially contaminated clothing the minute you get home and lauder it? Use different shoes at home?
- Exposures can happen by bringing in infectious material on your clothing and shoes, not just your hands. If you are exposed, they are exposed, so vaccination might be prudent.

Adjuvents boost the immune stimulating effect of the vaccine. There is some concern this may be what triggers cancer growths at some vaccine sites and the reason certain vaccines are always given in a specific location.

 

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

Thanks BJM.

I also looked at what Dr. lisa has to say about it and given that they had their kitten shots, are indoor only and am not frequently exposed to feral cats (only Baby Cat - but no touching allowed). I think I will skip the shots.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I keep my cats up to date on vaccines. Rabies (yearly because I use the Merial Purvax (non-adjuvanted)) and FVCRP every three years.

 

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

Thanks Larry. Good to know.

 

[Laura & Heffernan]

I am a foster mom, so I often have unvaccinated kittens in my house, so we have to keep up with FVCRP. New York state law mandates rabies shots for all pets. That being said I skipped all vaccines for Heffernan my diabetic and my Junior who has pancreatitis. My Randolph was very ill in November and was due for his boosters, but I refused those because he was sick and didn't want to stress his system any more--thankfully the vets agreed. My cats do not go outside, but I volunteer--yes I do change clothes when I come in, but I just can't be too careful, especially since I think a litter of kittens were carrying a virus that nearly killed Randolph. I have asked my vet about titers for a cat, but evidently it's not normally done around here for cats--dogs only! Not sure why, but I may need to be a pioneer!

 

[Melanie and Smokey]

As long as my cats are healthy, I have kept them up-to-date.

We stopped on the senior cats when they developed CRF, but got them up-to-date again because of my volunteering and fostering activity. Current rabies is required by licensing laws here.