Which vaccines are considered core for dogs and cats, and what is the typical initial vaccination schedule for a healthy young animal?

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Multiple Choice

Which vaccines are considered core for dogs and cats, and what is the typical initial vaccination schedule for a healthy young animal?

Vaccines are categorized as core versus non-core. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs or all cats because they protect against diseases with high morbidity/mortality and broad transmission. For dogs, the core vaccines are DA2PP (distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) and rabies. For cats, the core vaccines are FVRCP (feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia) and rabies. Bordetella is a non-core vaccine for dogs (used when there’s kennel cough risk), and FeLV is a non-core vaccine for cats (recommended based on individual risk). The typical initial vaccination schedule for a healthy young animal starts around 6–8 weeks of age. The core vaccines are given in a series every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age to ensure a robust immune response as maternal antibodies wane. Rabies is usually given in this early window as part of the core program, often around 12–16 weeks depending on local guidelines. After completing the initial series, a booster is commonly given around 1 year of age, then subsequent boosters every 1–3 years (depending on the vaccine type and local regulations). The option that lists Bordetella as a core requirement for dogs and FeLV as a core requirement for cats, and that proposes a 4-week start with boosters every 2 weeks, does not fit standard guidelines. The combination and schedule described do not reflect how core vaccines are determined or how the initial series is timed.

Vaccines are categorized as core versus non-core. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs or all cats because they protect against diseases with high morbidity/mortality and broad transmission. For dogs, the core vaccines are DA2PP (distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) and rabies. For cats, the core vaccines are FVRCP (feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia) and rabies. Bordetella is a non-core vaccine for dogs (used when there’s kennel cough risk), and FeLV is a non-core vaccine for cats (recommended based on individual risk).

The typical initial vaccination schedule for a healthy young animal starts around 6–8 weeks of age. The core vaccines are given in a series every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age to ensure a robust immune response as maternal antibodies wane. Rabies is usually given in this early window as part of the core program, often around 12–16 weeks depending on local guidelines. After completing the initial series, a booster is commonly given around 1 year of age, then subsequent boosters every 1–3 years (depending on the vaccine type and local regulations).

The option that lists Bordetella as a core requirement for dogs and FeLV as a core requirement for cats, and that proposes a 4-week start with boosters every 2 weeks, does not fit standard guidelines. The combination and schedule described do not reflect how core vaccines are determined or how the initial series is timed.

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