Dear Valued Clients,

There is currently a widespread (world-wide and Australia-wide) shortage of vaccine available for the prevention of core diseases of cats. This shortage is related to production issues of major manufacturers.

Consequently, the small quantities of vaccine still available are being reserved for patients with critical needs, mainly un-vaccinated kittens.

New supplies of all vaccines are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2024.

In order to allay any anxiety among cat owners, we are providing this information. We aim to ensure adequate protection for the most vulnerable cats, and to maintain adequate protection of the largest possible number of cats.

In these circumstances, we have sought advice from vaccine experts to supplement our own understandings of vaccine efficacy and durability of immunity.

Based on this, we can advise that the F3 vaccination (Feline Panleucopenia, Feline Herpesvirus (rhino-tracheitis) & Feline calicivirus, usually given to cats, gives serviceable immunity for periods longer than the standard label claims of the vaccines. As this period is not part of the proven label claims approved by authorities, it is difficult to quantify and is probably somewhat different for the three components of the F3 vaccine. The most serious disease is Feline Enteritis (Panleucopaenia), is likely to have the longest protection, while the respiratory components may be somewhat shorter.

While we obviously prefer to comply fully with the label claimed period before a booster is due, we can offer reassurance that these formally claimed recommendations are very conservative, and extension for a period of six months is still acceptable based on our opinions and the  advice we have taken from experts in the field.

We are not sending reminders for cat vaccinations until we have supplies again. Please do not be alarmed if the reminder says that the vaccination is overdue when it comes once we have supply again.

If you have any concerns, please call our office on 54221310.