Vaccines will be administered to kittens every 2-4 weeks until 16-18 weeks of age. Your kitten is not fully protected from the disease(s) being vaccinated against until 2 weeks after the last kitten vaccine for that disease, so be selective about who your kitten interacts with during this time. The vaccines administered to an individual kitten are dependent on age, exposure risk, and maternal antibodies. Here is an overview of the vaccines commonly considered for use in kittens at Lawndale Veterinary Hospital. For more information about individual diseases, visit the ‘Paws to Protect’ tab on our website.

Kitten Vaccine Schedule:

VaccineRecipientFrequency
Rabies Vaccine *REQUIRED by law*All kittens1st vaccine given between 12-16 weeks of age. The next booster is 1 year later, and then every 1 year.
Distemper (panleukopenia), rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus (DRC Combo Vaccine)All kittensKittens receive this vaccine every 2-4 weeks until 16-18 weeks of age. The next vaccine is given 1 year later, and then every 3 years depending on age, vaccine history, and lifestyle.
Chlamydia VaccineBased on lifestyleThis is considered a non-core vaccine and is given based on lifestyle.
Feline Leukemia (Felv) VaccineAny kitten or cat who will spend any time outdoors, or have contact with cats who spend time outdoorsInitial (2 vaccines 2-3 weeks apart), then annual.

~Author: Dr. . Noureddine, DVM, MS, MS