5 Essential Vaccination Questions Every New Pet Owner Should Know

‍“Doctor, is it okay not to vaccinate?”

‍As a responsible pet owner, vaccination is essential. Vaccines help prevent your pet from contracting highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases—especially important for young animals whose immune systems are still developing.

Remember: No socialising before vaccinating

Unvaccinated pets should avoid contact with other animals, as exposure during this period could be dangerous. Without immunity, the risk of infection is high.

The 5 Most Common Questions About Vaccination

1. When should I start vaccinating my pet?

Newborn animals receive natural antibodies from their mother’s milk, but after weaning, they must develop their own immune defences. That’s where vaccination comes in.

Not too early, not too late:

• Puppies and kittens usually begin their vaccinations between 6 to 8 weeks of age.
• Too early: maternal antibodies may interfere with vaccine effectiveness.
• Too late: creates a window of vulnerability.

Tip: Pair your first vaccination with a health check to ensure your pet is well before beginning their vaccine schedule.

2. How many shots do pets need? And how often?

Vaccination schedules vary by age and health, but generally:

“Initial three-shot” protocol:

• One vaccine every 3 to 4 weeks
• For a total of three shots

Why three?
Maternal antibodies may neutralise early vaccine doses. A multi-dose schedule helps ensure your pet builds reliable, lasting immunity.

Example schedule:

• 1st shot: No earlier than 6 weeks old
• 2nd shot: 3–4 weeks later
• 3rd shot: 3–4 weeks after the second, ideally before 16 weeks old

Missed a shot?
Skipping a dose may reduce protection. Consult your vet to discuss the next step.

Do boosters need to be given every year?
According to guidelines from the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), core vaccines are typically boosted every 3 years, depending on risk level and your pet’s antibody response. Your vet will advise on your pet’s individual needs.

3. What are core vs. non-core vaccines?

Vaccines are classified as:

• Core vaccines: Recommended for all pets due to high risk and disease severity
• Non-core vaccines: Given based on lifestyle, environment, or specific exposure risks

🐶 Core vaccines for dogs:

• 5-in-1 vaccine: Protects against canine distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, adenovirus, and parainfluenza
• Rabies: Legally required in Hong Kong

🐱 Core vaccines for cats:

• 3-in-1 vaccine: Protects against feline panleukopenia (FPV), feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1), and calicivirus

Why do cats in HK still need rabies vaccines?
Though Hong Kong has been rabies-free since the 1980s, maintaining a high vaccination rate is vital for continued safety. Rabies is a deadly, untreatable virus that affects all mammals.
By law, all dogs in Hong Kong must receive a rabies vaccine by 5 months old, followed by a booster every 3 years.

4. What are non-core vaccines? Should my pet get them?

Non-core vaccines are administered based on individual lifestyle and risk factors.

🐶 Optional vaccines for dogs:

• Kennel cough: For dogs in group settings (boarding, daycare, parks)
• Leptospirosis (4-strain): Recommended for dogs that frequent water or outdoor areas

🐱 Optional vaccines for cats:

• Chlamydia: Suitable for multi-cat households or cats with frequent contact with others
• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): For outdoor cats or those in contact with stray cats
• Rabies: Not mandatory for cats in HK but required for travel or emigration

5. Are vaccines safe? What about side effects or adjuvants?

Vaccines may cause mild side effects, but these are temporary. The risks of not vaccinating far outweigh the temporary discomfort. That said, some cats may react to adjuvants—substances added to boost immune response.

Swanston offers both adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted vaccines
Our veterinarians will help you choose the best option based on your cat’s health and your preferences.

Common Vaccine Reactions (Mild and temporary):

• Mild fever or fatigue
• Soft stool or vomiting
• Sneezing
• Reduced appetite
• Redness or swelling at injection site

When to Contact Your Vet Immediately:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Swelling of face/limbs (possible allergic reaction)
• Hives or full-body itching
• Difficulty breathing, fainting
• Injection site lump still present after 3 months, larger than 2cm, or growing

Just adopted a new pet? When should I bring them in?

We recommend keeping your new pet at home for 10–14 days to monitor for any underlying illness before their first visit.
Your vet will assess whether vaccination is appropriate during the initial consultation.

Safe, trusted vaccination at Swanston Veterinary Hospital

At Swanston Veterinary Hospital, we provide:

• Full physical exams
• Professionally tailored vaccine schedules
• Both adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted vaccine options
• Gentle, compassionate care throughout

Ready to protect your pet?
📞 Call us: 2123 9206
📍 Visit: Shop 9, The Reach, 38 On Ning Road, Yuen Long
🕙 Hours: Mon–Sun, 10am–8pm
🌐 Book online: swanstonvet.com/#Booking

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