09/05/2024
**FELINE VACCINATION SHORTAGE**
Some of you may already be aware that once again – there is a nationwide shortage of feline vaccinations.
Whilst we thought we were all back on track and had the green light to administer vaccinations to all cats, regardless of their age and level of risk, but unfortunately those celebrations were premature.
There are veterinary hospital’s that have already exhausted their feline vaccination supplies and it is quite possible that shortly, Concord Veterinary Hospital will follow suit. For this reason, we must once again prioritise by vaccinating high-risk cats and kittens only.
*** We are only able to vaccinate cats and kittens owned by current clients of Concord Veterinary Hospital ***
*** We are unable to provide routine vaccinations for all adult cats at this time ***
Vaccinations supplies, whilst they last, will be available for the following high-risk patients only:
• Unvaccinated kittens:
- A course of two (not the regular three) vaccinations can be administered at ages 12 and 16 weeks of age.
- If a kitten has received an initial vaccination prior to 12 weeks of age, they will be able to receive their second and final vaccination at 16 weeks of age
• Adult cats with NO previous vaccination history that are owned by current Concord Veterinary Hospital clients
We are not able to vaccinate cats or kittens for the reason of going into a boarding facility. The majority of catteries are well aware of the feline vaccination shortage, however if upon discussing this with them they need further clarification from us, please contact us directly so we can offer advice and assistance.
As previously mentioned, at this stage we do not have the ability to vaccinate adult cats due to extremely low vaccine stocks. To alleviate any fears, you may have: the vaccinations that an adult cat has received from the age of 16 weeks onwards provides an excellent level of immunity against feline panleukopenia virus – the most serious disease we vaccinate for in cats. Furthermore, delaying an adult cat’s vaccinations by a couple of months will have no adverse effects for you feline friends. If you are at all concerned, or you live in a high-risk area (for examples: a high population of stray cats leaves close by), we recommend keeping your cat indoors until vaccine supply normalises.
What to do if your adult cat is due for their annual vaccination:
• We recommend that you still bring your cat in for their annual health check consultation with one of our veterinarians
• This will ensure that your cat continues to receive a thorough check-up to ensure they are healthy, and also to screen for an signs or symptoms of illness
• At this time – we will put your cat on a vaccination waiting list whereby they will be prioritised once vaccinations are back in stock. Once vaccination supply returns – you will have the option of seeing a veterinarian for repeat consultation/vaccination administration, or alternatively you may request one of our highly skilled veterinary nurses administers the vaccination without consultation, thereby minimising wait times.
We understand this temporary measure may cause stress for our clients and we are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. New vaccines are, in theory, due in any day now.
*** We will let our clients know once our vaccination stocks have returned to normal ***
We thank you very much for your understanding,
Warm Regards,
The Team
Concord Veterinary Hospital
