Live VS Killed Vaccines
Most vaccines are available in either version, and your veterinarian will be able to select the appropriate one for your cat, based on his health history. MLVs seem to be the current choice of favorite, but you'll want to discuss this matter thoroughly with your veterinarian.
- Modified Live Vaccines (MLV)
MLVs basically do their own "dirty work," in fooling the body into believing it has an outsider invader, thus encouraging it to create antibodies against the antigen. MLVs are believed to give a higher-quality immune response than that available from killed viruses. The downside is that cats with compromised immune systems (FIV or FeLV patients) may suffer from vaccine-induced disease from MLVs. - Killed Vaccines
Killed vaccines need a helper to stimulate the natural immune system in the cat, so an adjuvant is added to irritate the immune system, thereby stimulating the creation of antibodies. Two problems arise with killed vaccines:- They are not as effective as MLVs and will need to be "boostered" more frequently.
- Adjuvants have become suspect in the increase of VAS (Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma).
Because of the risks of infection related to MLVs, it is recommended that immunocompromised cats receive killed vaccines.
Feline Vaccines Not Normally Recommended
The following vaccinations are only recommended in certain instances by the AAFP:
- Chlamydiosis
Because adverse reactions to the Chlamydia vaccine happen more frequently than adverse reactions to the disease, and because the vaccine does not prevent clinical infection, but just from severe symptoms, this vaccine is not routinely recommended. Households with multiple cats, catteries, or other environments where infections associated with Chlamydiosis have been confirmed, may consider this vaccine after consultation with a veterinarian. If deemed appropriate, annual revaccination is recommended. - Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
The use of this vaccine has been controversial. The AAFP Guidelines indicate that, currently lacking sufficient proof that the vaccine induces clinically relevant protection, its use is not recommended. - Bordetella
More commonly found in dogs, Bordetella (kennel cough) is found in shelters and other multiple-cat environments. The recently-approved vaccine has not yet been thoroughly tested as to the duration of its protection, and it it not recommended for routine use, although exceptions may be made for multiple-cat environments. - Gardiasis
Another recently approved vaccine is not yet recommended for routine use by the AAFP, except where exposure is clinically significant, e.g. multiple-cat environments.
Other Vaccination Exceptions
- Sick cats, cats with chronic disease and/or weakened immune systems should probably not be vaccinated.
- Consult with your veterinarian before vaccinating a cat receiving cortisone therapy.
- Geriatric cats (10 years +) generally do not need booster vaccinations, but instead can be tested for titers during their annual physical exams.
- Vaccinations are not recommended for kittens under six weeks, except in extreme situations (orphaned kittens, or kittens in a high-risk environment.
- Some vaccines are believed to cause stillbirths in pregnant queens.
