Pet Vaccinations in Saint Johns, FL
Are you looking for an effective way to keep your pet healthy? Schedule your furry family member for an appointment today so we can keep its immune system strong and healthy. Switzerland Animal Hospital is proud to administer safe and effective pet vaccinations in Saint Johns, FL. Call us at (904) 287-2527 to schedule an appointment for your pet's vaccinations today!
How We Support You:
- Fast and Easy Appointment Scheduling
- An Experienced and Gentle Veterinary Team
- Safe and Effective Vaccinations
- A Friendly Team Who Truly Cares
What Ages Should Puppies and Kittens Be Vaccinated?
Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations during their first few months to build a "shield" against serious diseases. Because maternal antibodies gradually fade, these early shots are critical for establishing their own immunity.
- Initial Series: Starts at 6–8 weeks of age.
- Frequency: Boosters are given every 3–4 weeks until your pet is approximately 16 weeks old.
- Long-Term Care: After the initial series, pets typically require a booster at one year of age, followed by shots every one to three years depending on their lifestyle.
At Switzerland Animal Hospital, we don’t believe in "one size fits all." Our team creates a personalized schedule tailored specifically to your pet's needs.What are the Core Canine Vaccinations?We provide essential "core" vaccines that protect your dog from highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases. Without these, your pet remains vulnerable to illnesses with high mortality rates.Our core vaccines include:
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
- Canine Adenovirus (CAV)
- Rabies (Required by law)
What are the Core Feline Vaccinations?
Keep your cat healthy with our essential feline vaccine series. We typically recommend these on an annual or tri-annual basis to ensure continuous protection.
Our core feline vaccines include:
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
- Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)
- Feline Panleukopenia (FPL)
- Rabies
Puppy & Kitten Vaccination Schedule: From First Shots to Boosters
Navigating the first year of puppyhood or kittenhood can feel overwhelming. At Switzerland Animal Hospital, we simplify the process with a clear vaccination roadmap. Our Saint Johns veterinary team is dedicated to ensuring your pet receives the right protection at the right time.
Consistency is key! Staying on schedule with boosters ensures there are no "gaps" in your pet's immunity.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Puppies require a series of vaccinations starting at 6–8 weeks old. Because their maternal antibodies gradually fade, "booster" shots are necessary every few weeks to ensure they are fully protected against life-threatening diseases.
Note: Following the 1-year adult booster, many core vaccines may move to a 3-year rotation based on Dr. Bredehoeft’s recommendation.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kittens are vulnerable to respiratory infections and highly contagious viruses. A consistent booster schedule ensures their immune system "learns" how to fight off these threats for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a "Booster"?
Think of the first vaccine as the "introduction" to a disease and the booster as the "reminder." For young animals, one shot isn't enough to create lasting memory in the immune system. Boosters "boost" the body's defenses to a level that provides year-long protection.
Why do they need shots every 3 weeks?
Puppies and kittens receive antibodies from their mother's milk, but these antibodies actually block vaccines from working. Since we don't know exactly when the mother's protection wears off, we give a series of shots to "catch" the window where your pet’s own immune system is ready to take over.
Does my indoor cat really need boosters?
Yes. Even indoor pets can be exposed to viruses carried on your clothes or through an open window screen (like Rabies via bats). Florida law also requires Rabies vaccinations for all cats and dogs regardless of lifestyle.
Ready to start your pet’s journey to health?
Call us today: (904) 287-2527
Switzerland Animal Hospital – Providing Exceptional Veterinary Care in Saint Johns, FL
