Important Information for Cat Families - Feline Vaccination Shortage
Due to complicated supply problems post-COVID, there is currently a critical shortage of feline vaccines in Australia. This situation is expected to last until early 2024.
What are we doing about it?
The Evervet team have been working hard to procure as many doses of our core trivalent (F3) vaccine as possible. We have also secured a limited number of feline respiratory disease and multivalent (F5) vaccinations that will be suitable for some patients, to help address this shortage.
However, we anticipate that these quantities may still be insufficient to vaccinate all our patients who are normally due over the shortage period.
In order to ensure the greatest community benefit from the limited vaccine supply available, we have sought the advice of feline health specialists and vaccine manufacturers. This has resulted in a temporary change to our vaccination protocols. Our focus will be ensuring that previously unvaccinated kittens and adult cats deemed to be at higher risk, are prioritised.
Adult cats deemed to be at higher risk include those who are immunocompromised or entering high challenge environments such as boarding catteries, shelters and cat shows.
My cat’s annual health check is due, what should I do?
You may be reading this because we’ve sent you a reminder that your cat’s annual health check is due.
We encourage all cat families to arrange their pet’s annual health check as normal. Your cat’s risk profile and specific vaccination needs can be discussed with your vet, and an individual plan tailored. If the decision is made to delay your cat’s vaccination, Evervet will arrange this at no additional fee, when supplies become available.
It is crucial to remember that vaccination represents just one component of your cat’s annual health checks. Evervet’s vets and nurses will still be conducting an important physical examination and health assessment, and providing you with advice and tools to maintain your cat’s well-being. This check-up is also an important opportunity for you to discuss your cat’s nutrition, lifestyle needs, and strategies for disease prevention.
Cats are masters at masking disease, we do not recommend delaying this important connection with your pet’s health experts.
What else can we all do?
Cat families who are planning travel over the summer may have already made plans to house their pet in a boarding cattery. Given the statutory requirement for pets to be currently vaccinated prior to entering a boarding facility, this shortage has the potential to pose challenges.
The Evervet team are already in contact with City of Stonnington’s Animal Management team and local cattery operators, to see what flexibility might be afforded to unvaccinated cats who present a low risk to themselves and others. At this stage the response we’ve received does not suggest there will be any change to policies.
As previously stated, our focus will be ensuring that previously unvaccinated kittens and adult cats deemed to be at higher risk (this includes those needing to enter boarding), are prioritised.
If your cat is unvaccinated we encourage you to contact your boarding cattery ahead of time, to see whether any concessions can be granted. Will they accept a veterinary health certificate in lieu of a current vaccination certificate? Can vaccination be delayed, or do you need to consider making alternative arrangements such as a pet-sitter?
Just like the orderly queue that formed when we were all awaiting vaccination for COVID-19, we can all be kind. Whilst we’re doing everything possible to ensure that those in the most need receive vaccination, we appreciate that this situation may cause inconvenience to some pet families. We thank you for your patience and cooperation whilst we navigate this shortage, know that we are working hard to get all your cat’s vaccinations back on track as soon as possible.
Let’s make a plan
We look forward to helping you and your cat with service that continues to meet your needs and expectations.
If you have questions or concerns about this vaccination shortage, please contact our friendly staff (95101335) to discuss your cat’s requirements.
Evervet is here to help, always.