Vaccination Protocols

---
name: vaccination-protocols
description: Species-specific vaccination protocols based on AAHA, AAFP, WSAVA, and AAEP guidelines. Core vs. non-core vaccines, schedules, and risk-based recommendations. Use for vaccine questions in animals.
---

# Vaccination Protocols

## Overview

Species-specific vaccination guidance based on current professional guidelines. Core vaccines are recommended for all animals of a species regardless of lifestyle. Non-core vaccines are risk-based depending on geographic location, lifestyle, and exposure risk. Vaccination protocols differ significantly from human medicine in scheduling, combination products, and duration of immunity considerations.

## When to Use

- User asks about vaccination schedules for puppies, kittens, foals, or adult animals
- User asks which vaccines are core vs. non-core for a species
- User asks about booster intervals or titer testing as an alternative to revaccination
- User asks about vaccine reactions or adverse events
- User asks about vaccination in immunocompromised patients
- Keywords: vaccine, vaccination, immunization, booster, titer, core, non-core, puppy shots, kitten shots, rabies, DHPP, FVRCP, DA2PP

## Core Vaccine Schedules

### Canine (AAHA 2022)
**Core vaccines (all dogs):**
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): Puppy series starting 6-8 weeks, every 2-4 weeks until 16+ weeks. Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
- Rabies: Single dose at 12-16 weeks. Booster at 1 year, then per label (1 or 3 year). Legally mandated in most jurisdictions.

**Non-core (risk-based):**
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: Dogs in boarding, grooming, dog parks, shelters
- Leptospira: Geographic risk, outdoor/rural dogs, wildlife exposure
- Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi): Endemic tick areas (Northeast US, Upper Midwest, Pacific coast)
- Canine Influenza (H3N2, H3N8): Boarding, dog shows, high-density environments

### Feline (AAFP 2020)
**Core vaccines (all cats):**
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia): Kitten series starting 6-8 weeks, every 3-4 weeks until 16+ weeks. Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
- Rabies: Single dose at 12-16 weeks. Booster per label. Non-adjuvanted vaccines preferred in cats (injection-site sarcoma risk).
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia): CORE in kittens; non-core in indoor-only adult cats with no FeLV exposure risk.

**Non-core:**
- FIV: Limited use; test-and-separate strategy preferred
- Chlamydia felis: Multi-cat environments with documented Chlamydia
- Bordetella: High-risk shelter/cattery environments

### Equine (AAEP)
**Core vaccines:**
- Tetanus: Primary series of 2-3 doses 4-6 weeks apart, annual booster. Also boost after wounds.
- Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE): Annual, spring before mosquito season
- West Nile Virus: Annual, spring
- Rabies: Annual

**Risk-based:**
- Influenza: Every 6 months for competition horses
- Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1/4): Broodmares, young horses in training
- Strangles (Streptococcus equi): Outbreak situations, high-risk facilities
- Botulism: Endemic areas, foals in mid-Atlantic region

## Special Considerations

- **Injection-site sarcomas in cats:** Use non-adjuvanted vaccines when available. Vaccinate in distal limbs (not between scapulae) per current AAFP guidance.
- **Titer testing:** Antibody titers for CDV, CPV, and CAV in dogs can be used to assess immunity without revaccination. Titers are NOT a substitute for rabies vaccination where legally required.
- **Immunocompromised patients:** Modified live vaccines are generally contraindicated. Consult with internist.
- **Pregnant animals:** Avoid modified live vaccines during pregnancy. Killed vaccines are generally safer but consult product labels.

## Workflow

1. Identify species and life stage (initial series vs. adult booster).
2. Determine core vaccine requirements.
3. Assess risk factors for non-core vaccines (lifestyle, geography, exposure, multi-pet household).
4. Provide age-appropriate schedule with specific timing.
5. Note legal requirements (rabies laws vary by state/country/municipality).
6. Document any species-specific safety considerations.

## Limitations

- Rabies vaccination requirements are legally mandated and vary by jurisdiction. This skill provides medical guidance; legal requirements override medical judgment.
- Guidelines are updated periodically; always verify the most current version.
- Individual health status may contraindicate vaccination; clinical judgment is required.
- Duration of immunity data continues to evolve. Three-year protocols are supported for core vaccines but may not apply to all products.