You guys are good--"topic pump" indeed! Well, it definitely works!
I just answered another post on vaccines, in this thread:
http://www.catforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=6703
To emphasize a couple of specific points:
- yes, you have to go to the vet every year. An annual checkup, with or without vaccines, is essential. Why? I'm SO glad you asked! Here:
www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=l ... w&item=007
- vaccines should be spaced at least 3 weeks apart to give the immune system time to complete its response to the previous one
- first vaccines should not be given before 8 weeks of age (I prefer to start at 9 weeks or later)
- ideally, only one vaccine should be given at a time
- *no* cat needs *all* shots *every* year!
- a vaccine program should be tailored to your cat's individual, particular situation, including outdoor access, age, health history, current health status, and vaccine history. There are no blanket recommendations based on just a single factor such as indoors or out (and there shouldn't be!)
- in the vast majority of cases, the typical "kitten shots" are all a cat needs for life other than rabies as required by law. Viral vaccines produce very long-lasting immunity.
- all boosters carry an element of risk; research suggests that every booster increases that risk
Cheers,
Dr. Jean