Feline Vaccination Consent Form

Traditionally, veterinarians recommend that cats receive annual vaccinations for many diseases. Recent research and publications indicate that the yearly administration of vaccines for all diseases may not be necessary and may pose some health risks. Recommendations from many universities suggest that the timing of booster vaccines can vary from one to three years depending on the age of the pet, housing environment, region of the county, neighborhood in which the pet lives, and the specific disease the vaccine prevents. High-risk pets, such as those residing in kennels, participating in cat shows, being boarded frequently, or traveling extensively with their owners, may require more frequent boosters.

The feline "distemper" vaccine protects against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. The rhino and calici viruses cause upper respiratory infections while panleukopenia causes gastrointestinal signs. We recommend an initial vaccine series followed by a booster in one year. We then recommend a booster vaccine every three years for cats in a low-risk category.

1. I elect to have my cat vaccinated for FVRCP every three years ($30.00) based on age, health, breed, and exposure to disease as suggested by my cat's veterinarian. I agree to hold my veterinarian harmless in the event such effort to reduce the frequency and minimize known complications of vaccinations inadvertently increases my cat's risks of and fees related to treating any of the diseases for which a vaccine was not administered.

Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted to people through infected saliva. It causes severe central nervous system signs and is fatal. The initial vaccine is given at 15 weeks of age followed by a booster in one year. There is a rabies vaccination that can be given every three years, but it contains an adjuvant added to boost the immune response. Research shows there is a small association between the adjuvant used in some vaccines and a vaccine-induced tumor called a fibrosarcoma. In order to minimize this risk, we recommend giving your cat a rabies vaccine without an adjuvant. This vaccine provides protection for one year and has to be repeated annually. We do have both vaccines available and a rabies vaccine is required by law.

3. I elect to have my cat vaccinated for rabies with an adjuvant-free rabies vaccination every year ($33.00). I agree to hold my cat's veterinarian harmless in the event such compliance with traditional protocols and labeling laws inadvertently causes a medical complication associated with the use of the vaccine.

4. I elect to have my cat vaccinated for rabies with a NON-adjuvant-free rabies vaccination every three years ($33.00). I agree to hold my cat's veterinarian harmless in the event such compliance with traditional protocols and labeling laws inadvertently causes a medical complication associated with the use of the vaccine.

5. Feline leukemia virus can compromise the immune system which can lead to the development of leukemia or lymphoma. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat. We recommend an initial vaccine series ($43.00) followed by a yearly booster ONLY if my cat is in a high-risk category. I elect to have my cat vaccinated for feline leukemia on a yearly basis because he/she is in a high-risk category. I agree to hold my cat's veterinarian harmless in the event such compliance with traditional protocols and labeling laws inadvertently causes a medical complication associated with the use of the vaccine.