Vaccination is an important part of preventive care for dogs and cats. It helps the immune system recognise particular infections and respond if exposure occurs. No vaccine provides complete protection in every circumstance, but an appropriate plan can reduce the risk of serious disease. Your veterinarian will consider your pet’s age, vaccination record, health and contact with other animals.
Puppies: a planned course of protection
Puppies usually receive their first vaccination at 6–8 weeks of age, often with the breeder. Follow-up C5 vaccinations are commonly scheduled at 10–12 weeks and 14–16 weeks, with vaccinations four weeks apart. C5 covers the C3 diseases—canine parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and distemper—together with kennel-cough components for parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
The first adult C5 booster is generally recommended approximately 12 months after completing the puppy vaccination course, rather than simply at 12 months of age. After that, core dog vaccination and kennel-cough protection are planned according to the vaccine history, lifestyle and veterinary assessment. Our current schedule generally uses C5 every three years, with kennel-cough vaccination in the two years between C5 boosters.
If a dog has never been vaccinated, or vaccination has lapsed by more than 18 months, a two-dose C5 course four weeks apart may be needed. Please bring any breeder, rescue or previous vaccination record so the veterinarian can confirm the appropriate plan.
Kittens and adult cats
Kittens usually have their first vaccination at 6–8 weeks of age, followed by vaccinations at 10–12 weeks and 14–16 weeks. A kitten starting late, after 10 weeks of age, may need two vaccinations four weeks apart. Adult cats are generally recommended to receive an annual F3 vaccination. F3 covers feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia virus.
Cats that have never been vaccinated, or whose vaccination has lapsed by more than 18 months, may need a two-dose F3 course four weeks apart. FIV vaccination may be considered for outdoor cats when it is available; an FIV test is required before starting that course. Indoor living can lower some exposure risks but does not remove the value of a vaccination discussion. Boarding, veterinary visits, new household pets or time outdoors can change the plan.
A plan that changes with your pet
Vaccination visits are also an opportunity to review general health and discuss changes in routine. Healthy adult pets should have at least one veterinary health check each year. Puppies, kittens, senior pets and animals with ongoing medical conditions may need more frequent examinations, with the veterinarian determining the appropriate interval for the individual pet. Getting older does not automatically mean vaccination stops; current health, medicines, previous reactions and likely exposure should be reviewed.
Keep your pet’s vaccination certificate and bring it to each visit. You can also read our puppy vaccination information and kitten vaccination information. If your pet seems unwell before an appointment, phone the clinic first for advice. Book a vaccination appointment with the Vets of Geelong team at one of our family-owned clinics to confirm the schedule that is right for your pet.