The 2012 updated Feline Vaccine Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) have some new recommendations that may be of interest.

• The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine should be a core vaccine for kittens. It should not be started before eight to nine weeks of age, and revaccination should be given two to six weeks after the initial dose. All leukemia vaccines require two doses to immunize; if the first dose is not followed in two to six weeks, there will be limited or no immunity. Revaccination should occur at one year and not more often than every three years.
• The last kitten dose of core vaccines (FPV/FCV/FHV-1) should be given at 14 to 16 weeks of age or older. Also, the rabies vaccine should not be given before 12 weeks of age, and that vaccine should be repeated within one year.

Most other feline vaccine recommendations remain the same as in previous feline guidelines. The complete 2012 updated guidelines will be posted soon on the AAFP website. If you have questions about feline or canine vaccines or vaccination programs, contact Dr. R.D. Schultz at 608-263-9888 or schultzr[at]svm.vetmed.wisc.edu.