New guidelines have recently been released by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association regarding timing of vaccination for cats and dogs:
- Following their initial vaccination course, all kittens and puppies should receive a core vaccination at 16 weeks of age, regardless of the number of doses given prior to 16 weeks.
- The first adult vaccination for both cats and dogs should now be given at around 6 months of age, to provide protection to the minority of animals that don’t respond to the 16-week vaccination.
- Early socialisation of puppies remains important, but care should be taken to minimise risk for puppies prior to completion of their puppy vaccination series at 16 weeks. During this risk period, avoid contact with unvaccinated adult dogs, unhealthy puppies and potentially contaminated environments.
