There is an Australia-wide shortage of feline vaccines, due to supply problems post-COVID. It is expected to continue until early 2024. Dog vaccines are unaffected by this shortage.
Here at Fletcher Vet, our current stock supplies are running low, and we have to prioritise vaccines for cats most at-risk, to mitigate risk of disease outbreak. These predominantly include kittens, as well as previously unvaccinated cats, and cats that may come into contact with others, (eg, outdoor cats.)
Adult cats that have had a series of 2-3 kitten vaccines and annual boosters are at a much lower risk of disease. For indoor, adult cats that are due for their booster vaccine in the coming months, we may suggest delaying it until supplies normalise in early 2024. This will be on a case-by-case basis. We still recommend bringing your cat in for their annual health check, where we can discuss this with you.
Here’s our tips on how you can protect your cat in the meantime, until supply is re-established.
Ensure your cat:
- Stays inside if possible.
- Does not go into a cattery or boarding facility while they are unvaccinated.
- Does not interact with any other cat outside of their home while unvaccinated.
- Gets their annual health check to discuss their risk with their vet, and is booked in for their booster when able.
If you have any questions about this vaccine shortage, please contact our staff on (02) 4955-6670 or click the link here to the AVA’s news page.
We will be sure to post updates when the vaccines are back in stock.
