Updated Cat Vaccine Protocol

AAFP Vaccination Guidelines

As with everything in medicine, there are new discoveries that occur as the result of ongoing research.  One of the newest changes in veterinary medicine revolves around cat vaccination guidelines.  The American Association of Feline Practitioners.  The AAFP is conducting ongoing research looking at the duration of immunity (how long the vaccinations protects against disease) of the most common cat vaccines.  They are also looking at the most important vaccinations and risk factors for cats.  It is through these efforts that the AAFP has recently announced new vaccine guidelines.  These new guidelines are designed to best protect your cat against various diseases, while at the same time giving them the fewest amount of vaccinations as possible.  

To begin with, the AAFP has identified three groups of cats and designed vaccine protocols for each group.  These groups are low risk, medium risk and high risk.  There are not exact black and white lines to identify these groups, which makes a thorough history during the annual physical examination all the more important.  Here is a general description of each group:

The AAFP still feels that the most important aspect of feline care and preventive care is the comprehensive medical examination.  This is in agreement with our practice philosophy of emphasizing the physical examination above all other aspects of care.  The Orrville Veterinary Clinic prides ourselves as being the trendsetter for animal care in the Orrville, Kidron, Apple Creek, RIttman, and Wooster areas.  We are constantly remaining on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine and are looked to with respect by other veterinarians in the area.  Please check out our additional articles that further explain the new guidelines.

Written by Dr. Jeff Fink on behalf of Orrville Veterinary Clinic, Inc.