Vaccination Protocols

Overview

Species-specific vaccination guidance based on current professional guidelines. Core vaccines are recommended for all animals of a species regardless of lifestyle. Non-core vaccines are risk-based depending on geographic location, lifestyle, and exposure risk. Vaccination protocols differ significantly from human medicine in scheduling, combination products, and duration of immunity considerations.

When to Use

• User asks about vaccination schedules for puppies, kittens, foals, or adult animals
• User asks which vaccines are core vs. non-core for a species
• User asks about booster intervals or titer testing as an alternative to revaccination
• User asks about vaccine reactions or adverse events
• User asks about vaccination in immunocompromised patients
• Keywords: vaccine, vaccination, immunization, booster, titer, core, non-core, puppy shots, kitten shots, rabies, DHPP, FVRCP, DA2PP

Core Vaccine Schedules

Canine (AAHA 2022)

Core vaccines (all dogs):

• DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): Puppy series starting 6-8 weeks, every 2-4 weeks until 16+ weeks. Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
• Rabies: Single dose at 12-16 weeks. Booster at 1 year, then per label (1 or 3 year). Legally mandated in most jurisdictions.

Non-core (risk-based):

• Bordetella bronchiseptica: Dogs in boarding, grooming, dog parks, shelters
• Leptospira: Geographic risk, outdoor/rural dogs, wildlife exposure
• Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi): Endemic tick areas (Northeast US, Upper Midwest, Pacific coast)
• Canine Influenza (H3N2, H3N8): Boarding, dog shows, high-density environments

Feline (AAFP 2020)

Core vaccines (all cats):

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia): Kitten series starting 6-8 weeks, every 3-4 weeks until 16+ weeks. Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
• Rabies: Single dose at 12-16 weeks. Booster per label. Non-adjuvanted vaccines preferred in cats (injection-site sarcoma risk).
• FeLV (Feline Leukemia): CORE in kittens; non-core in indoor-only adult cats with no FeLV exposure risk.

Non-core:

• FIV: Limited use; test-and-separate strategy preferred
• Chlamydia felis: Multi-cat environments with documented Chlamydia
• Bordetella: High-risk shelter/cattery environments

Equine (AAEP)

Core vaccines:

• Tetanus: Primary series of 2-3 doses 4-6 weeks apart, annual booster. Also boost after wounds.
• Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE): Annual, spring before mosquito season
• West Nile Virus: Annual, spring
• Rabies: Annual

Risk-based:

• Influenza: Every 6 months for competition horses
• Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1/4): Broodmares, young horses in training
• Strangles (Streptococcus equi): Outbreak situations, high-risk facilities
• Botulism: Endemic areas, foals in mid-Atlantic region

Special Considerations

• Injection-site sarcomas in cats: Use non-adjuvanted vaccines when available. Vaccinate in distal limbs (not between scapulae) per current AAFP guidance.
• Titer testing: Antibody titers for CDV, CPV, and CAV in dogs can be used to assess immunity without revaccination. Titers are NOT a substitute for rabies vaccination where legally required.
• Immunocompromised patients: Modified live vaccines are generally contraindicated. Consult with internist.
• Pregnant animals: Avoid modified live vaccines during pregnancy. Killed vaccines are generally safer but consult product labels.

Workflow

1. Identify species and life stage (initial series vs. adult booster).
2. Determine core vaccine requirements.
3. Assess risk factors for non-core vaccines (lifestyle, geography, exposure, multi-pet household).
4. Provide age-appropriate schedule with specific timing.
5. Note legal requirements (rabies laws vary by state/country/municipality).
6. Document any species-specific safety considerations.

Limitations

• Rabies vaccination requirements are legally mandated and vary by jurisdiction. This skill provides medical guidance; legal requirements override medical judgment.
• Guidelines are updated periodically; always verify the most current version.
• Individual health status may contraindicate vaccination; clinical judgment is required.
• Duration of immunity data continues to evolve. Three-year protocols are supported for core vaccines but may not apply to all products.