Is a cat considered vaccinated against rabies (Rabies Virus Disease) on the 28th day after the initial rabies vaccine (Inactivated Rabies Virus Vaccine)?

Rabies Vaccination Status in Cats

Yes, a cat is considered vaccinated and immunized against rabies on the 28th day after receiving the initial rabies vaccine. 1

Timing of Immunization After Initial Vaccination

According to the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, within 28 days after initial vaccination:

• A peak rabies virus antibody titer is reached
• The animal can be considered immunized
• An animal is officially considered "currently vaccinated" and "immunized" if the initial vaccination was administered at least 28 days previously 1

This 28-day threshold is consistently stated across multiple versions of the official guidelines from the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV).

Vaccination Protocol for Cats

The proper rabies vaccination protocol for cats includes:

1. Initial vaccination: Can be administered as early as 12-16 weeks of age 2
2. First booster: Required 1 year after the initial vaccination regardless of the age at initial vaccination 1
3. Subsequent boosters: Schedule depends on the labeled duration of the vaccine used (1-year or 3-year vaccines) 1

Important Considerations

Immediate vs. Delayed Protection

• During the first 28 days after initial vaccination, the cat is building immunity but is not yet considered fully immunized
• After a booster vaccination (not the initial vaccination), the animal is considered currently vaccinated immediately due to the expected rapid anamnestic response 1

Vaccine Administration Requirements

• Rabies vaccines must be administered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian 1
• The veterinarian signing the rabies certificate must ensure the person administering the vaccine is properly trained and identified on the certificate 1

Duration of Immunity

• A single rabies vaccination can induce long-lasting immunity 2
• Some non-adjuvanted canarypox-vectored rabies vaccines have demonstrated 3-year duration of immunity after a complete basic vaccination program 3
• However, local legislation may require more frequent boosters regardless of the vaccine's proven duration of protection 2

Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Misinterpreting vaccination status: A cat is not considered vaccinated until 28 days after the initial vaccination, even though the immune response begins earlier.

2. Relying on antibody titers alone: While rabies antibody titers indicate a response to vaccination, they do not directly correlate with protection. Other immunologic factors also play a role in preventing rabies. Evidence of circulating rabies virus antibodies should not be used as a substitute for current vaccination 1.

3. Skipping the 1-year booster: Regardless of the type of vaccine used (1-year or 3-year), a booster vaccination should be administered 1 year after the initial vaccination 1.

4. Assuming immediate protection: Unlike booster vaccinations, initial vaccination requires 28 days to reach peak antibody titers and provide full protection.