Pet Vaccination Guide: Core and Optional Vaccines Explained
Vaccinations protect your pet from serious, preventable diseases. Learn which vaccines are essential and which are optional.
Vaccination is one of the most important things you can do for your pet's health. Vaccines protect against serious, often fatal diseases — and they protect other animals (and humans) by reducing disease spread. Understanding which vaccines are essential helps you make informed decisions for your pet.
- Core vaccines are recommended for ALL pets
- Non-core vaccines depend on lifestyle and risk factors
- Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines, not just one
- Adult boosters maintain immunity
- Vaccine reactions are rare and usually mild
- The benefits far outweigh the minimal risks
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Canine distemper: a deadly viral disease affecting the nervous system. Canine parvovirus: causes severe, often fatal gastroenteritis. Canine adenovirus (hepatitis): causes liver disease. Rabies: fatal, zoonotic, legally required. These 'core' vaccines are recommended for every dog regardless of lifestyle. The initial puppy series starts at 6-8 weeks with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Feline panleukopenia (distemper): a deadly viral disease. Feline calicivirus: causes upper respiratory infections and oral disease. Feline herpesvirus-1: causes upper respiratory infections. Rabies: legally required in many areas. These core vaccines are recommended for all cats. The kitten series starts at 6-8 weeks with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks.
Non-Core Vaccines
For dogs: Bordetella (kennel cough) — recommended for dogs that board, go to groomers, or socialize. Leptospirosis — recommended in Macau due to climate and rat exposure. Canine influenza — recommended for social dogs. For cats: FeLV (feline leukemia) — recommended for all kittens and outdoor cats. FIV — less commonly used. Your vet will recommend based on your pet's lifestyle.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccine reactions are rare (estimated 1-2%). Mild reactions: soreness at injection site, mild fever, reduced appetite for 1-2 days. Severe reactions (very rare): facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse — seek immediate veterinary care. The diseases vaccines prevent are far more dangerous than any vaccine reaction. Discuss any concerns with your vet.
- Your puppy or kitten needs their vaccine series
- Your adult pet is overdue for boosters
- Your pet had a reaction to a previous vaccine
- You want to discuss which non-core vaccines are appropriate
- You need a vaccination certificate for boarding or travel
- You have concerns about vaccine safety
RVC
RVC provides all core and non-core vaccines for dogs and cats. We'll create a customized vaccination schedule for your pet based on their age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Call +853 6677 6611.
+853 6677 6611