Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi all. I just joined the community, and am excited to be here. I wanted to know if others are experiencing kitten deaths/kitten illness from vaccinations. One of my little foster guys was vaccinated at 6 weeks and now has calicivirus (which has happened with other cats/kittens in my care before). As a community, we are trying to see what's best. For my new rescue, protocol is now first vaccination at 7 weeks of age - given kitten is appearing healthy. Thoughts?

#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization

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Cassidy Zehnder
Executive Director
My Little Kitty Rescue
NM
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You might want to take a look at ASPCAPro for a current suggested vaccine schedule.  As I understand it, starting at at 4 weeks with killed virus FVRCP and switching to live modified virus for subsequent vaccinations is  recommended currently.  This is the protocol both our vets follow.  

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Diane Metz
Board of Directors, Volunteer, and Foster Mom
Orange Street Cats, Inc.
Albany NY
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Shelter vet here- it is recommended to start vaccinating at 4 weeks of age. Modified live should always be used whenever possible as it elicits the immune response quicker than killed vaccines.  The ASV shelter guidelines has a table for recommended vaccination schedules.  

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Amy Schad
Lead Veterinarian
Kansas Humane Society
KS
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Please refer to this presentation by Drs Hurley and Newbury for the latest recommendations for neonates: Before Four Weeks: Updated Vaccination Recommendations for Neonatal Puppies and Kittens.

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Erika Shaffer
Instructional Designer
Maddie's Fund
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