Previously, booster shots for certain vaccines are usually given yearly. But recently, it has been shown from research study evidence that booster shots may not actually be needed. Booster shots could be needed depending on the vaccine type and the animal’s lifestyle and health status. Some vaccines provide up to three years of protection, generally true for viral vaccines. However, bacterial vaccines may need to be administered yearly to give the animal’s immunity against the illness a boost.
These days, experts advise a full series of booster shots every 1 to 3 years for fully grown cats that have been vaccinated back when they were kittens, further depending on a risk assessment based on lifestyle. Cats classified as low-risk, like indoor-exclusive cats, that get completely vaccinated while they were kittens could be administered a booster shot once every three years for the ones called “core” vaccinations - feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and rabies. Then some experts include the virus for feline leukemia as one of the core vaccines. Boosters for the non-core vaccinations, like chlamydia, feline infectious peritonitis, or bordetella, can be administered if your vet thinks it is needed after performing antibody titer tests.
If you have further questions regarding issues affecting your pet, your veterinarian Columbia, MD is your most important resource.
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