Appendix A: Vaccine Site Recommendations

Appendix A:

Vaccine Site Recommendations

Developed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the Academy of Feline Medicine (AFM) and Accepted by the Vaccine Associated Sarcoma Task Force

Numerous published articles have suggested a causal relationship between vaccinations (and other injections) and the development of tumors (fibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant histiocytoma, osteosarcoma, liposarcoma and others) in cats. To further identify the causal link and to facilitate therapy, the AAFP and AFM have established general guidelines for vaccine (and other injection) administration.

1) Veterinarians should standardize injection protocols within their practice and document IN THE PERMANENT MEDICAL RECORD the location of all injections.

2) The following vaccine sites are recommended:

a) Vaccines containing antigens panleukopenia, feline herpes I, feline calicivirus (+/- chlamydia) should be administered over the right shoulder (RF)as distally as practical according to manufacturer's recommendations.

b) Vaccines containing leukemia virus antigen ( +/- other antigen except rabies) should be administered in the left rear leg ( LR ) as distally as practical according to manufacturer's recommendations. ( Leukemia = Left )

c) Vaccines containing rabies antigen ( + any other antigen) should be administered in the right rear leg ( RR ) as distally as practical according to the manufacturer's recommendations. (Rabies = Right )

d) Other intramuscular injections should be administered avoiding the right rear leg. Other subcutaneous injections should be administered on a side of the body or over the left shoulder (LF) as distally as practical. The interscapular and dorsal spinous regions should be avoided for all injections.