What are booster vaccines?
Booster vaccines are follow-up vaccines that are given after your cat first receives a vaccine. Protection from an initial vaccine series can fade, so boosters help keep immunity at a safe level by reminding the immune system how to fight a disease.
Are booster vaccines necessary for cats?
Yes, booster vaccines are an important part of keeping your cat protected from disease. Some vaccines, like rabies and distemper, protect against serious, life-threatening diseases—but immunity does not last forever.
Your veterinarian will recommend a booster schedule based on your cat’s age, lifestyle, and risk. Many core vaccines are boosted every 1 to 3 years, while others may be given more or less often. By keeping your cat up-to-date on vaccines, you help your cat stay healthy as well as people and other pets.
Research shows that avoiding vaccine boosters can put your cat at risk. However, recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters. Blood tests to measure antibodies (antibody titers) are sometimes recommended to establish whether boosters are necessary for your cat. However, these tests are often more expensive than revaccination and may be stressful for your cat. In addition, even if there is a high number of antibodies, it does not ensure adequate disease protection if your cat is exposed to a virulent strain of disease.
Government regulatory bodies have strict guidelines for vaccine development, and manufacturers must prove that a vaccine is safe and effective before it can be used. Through vigilance and high standards, the veterinary vaccines used today are safer and more protective than ever.
How often should my cat get boosters?
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) vaccination guidelines recommend that low-risk adult cats who receive the complete vaccine booster series as kittens, and again one year later, be vaccinated every three years after that for the core vaccines (feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia, and rabies).
Feline leukemia (FeLV) is considered a core vaccination for kittens, but the decision to continue FeLV vaccination in adult cats depends on the cat's lifestyle and risk factors. A cat who goes outdoors or is in frequent contact with other cats would be considered high-risk and should be vaccinated more frequently.
Not all vaccines provide protection for a year, particularly those that protect against non-viral diseases, such as chlamydia and Bordetella. Your veterinarian will determine if your cat needs boosters for non-core vaccinations at your cat’s annual check-up (e.g., Bordetella, chlamydia).
It is important to note that administering a vaccine labeled for annual administration at a different interval, such as every three years, is an off-label use and may violate government regulations. Before adjusting your cat's vaccination booster schedule, discuss your cat's lifestyle with your veterinarian and determine the appropriate vaccine program.
Can I have my cat get boosters only when necessary?
It is possible, but to determine when boosters might be necessary for your cat, it is necessary to test the cat's blood to determine the level of immunity against each disease (antibody titers). If a specific antibody titer is low, your cat will require a booster vaccine.
Currently, few vaccines are available that protect against only one disease (monovalent vaccine). When a monovalent vaccine is available, it often costs as much, if not more, than a vaccine that protects against multiple diseases (multivalent vaccine). For your cat, receiving one injection against many common diseases is better than a series of single disease vaccinations.
Are there any other advantages of annual vaccination?
Annual vaccines require an annual veterinary exam, which allows your veterinarian to examine your cat thoroughly. During these visits, veterinarians frequently detect infections of the teeth or ears and subclinical diseases (diseases that do not present definite or observable symptoms) such as underlying heart conditions, metabolic problems, or organ dysfunction. Early diagnosis allows more effective and successful treatment and may improve the quality of your cat’s life.
These vaccination visits are especially important as cats age. Since cats age more rapidly than humans, it is essential that they receive a complete physical examination at least yearly. As they approach their mature and senior years, they should be seen twice yearly or as your veterinarian recommends. Cats 7 to 10 years of age are considered mature, and cats over 11 are seniors.
If you plan on traveling across borders with your cat, it is very important to check the vaccine requirements of the country you wish to visit, as they may be stricter than your own. This is particularly true for rabies vaccines. You and your veterinarian should decide which vaccinations your cat receives annually based on your cat’s lifestyle, age, and health status.
