Question:
Last night was Bruce & Isobel's yearly checkup and needling and I was floored when the vet told me she wasn't going to vaccinate them. I've been reading for the past couple of years the debate over how long the vaccinations actually last but always felt safer getting them done yearly. The vet explained to me that the American Feline Association (or some such body) has been saying that the distemper combo shot only needs to be given every three years, but the manufacturers of the vaccine would not confirm that, so the vets continued on recommending yearly jabs to cover their own butts. Now the manufacturers have finally conceded that yearly shots are no longer needed.

This is great news because the debate is over and I'm saving big bucks if I only have to vaccinate my guys every three years! Last night I saved about $60!! I also get my multi-cat discount since my guys are all up-to-date with their shots, so that helps as well.

FeLV/FIV jabs still have to be done yearly, though, the vet tells me, but my guys don't get that as they are strictly indoor cats.


Answer:
That's cool! BB was due for her shots this Sept. I know she needs the 3 year rabies, but maybe she won't need any others.


Answer:
It's about time the Vets got on the same track with this.. my Vet said the same thing this year.. before that I got my cats vaccinated yearly because they come in contact with my foster cats..
It's always nice to save money!


Answer:
Sounds like good news! However, I know there are some vaccines that don't cover them even for 1 year (although they're supposed to). I had a cat a few years ago that caught cat flu even though she'd been vaccinated about a year earlier (it hadn't been over a year, but was nearly a year). While she recovered, it's always made me wonder!
I guess, though, most shots really do keep them covered longer. Like people! They're now saying you don't need to get Tetanus shots as often as you used to get them done (I can't remember what they recommend now) Mind you it's been 21 years since I had my last Tetanus shot, so maybe I am due!
Melissa


Answer:
Yeah, tetanus shots are every 10 years. I had to get a tetanus shot a couple of weeks ago after Dougal bit me and when she asked when my last one was, I couldn't for the life of me remember. I think it would have been nearly 10 years ago when I went to Africa.


Answer:
Thats awesome to hear. I use a vet I like better than the one in our town about 30 mins away so that will save me the trip Ill just call to see if my vet is going to just to them 3 years instead of yearly now too

Off topic- WOW Africa must have been amazing!


Answer:
Originally Posted by Ninja
Off topic- WOW Africa must have been amazing!
It was! There will never be another holiday like it. I have some photos up on my seriously out-of-date personal website - I think I'm going to start a new thread and post the link in case anyone is interested.


Answer:
Awesome thanks!