Purevax Rabies Vaccine Backorder

We have recently become aware that the Purevax Recombinant Rabies Vaccine which we utilize here at NOVA Cat Clinic is going to be on an 8 week back order. This means that we will not have access to the vaccine for about 2 months. There was a manufacturing issue at the factory which has been resolved, but the system must be re-approved by the USDA before production can restart. There was no prior warning of this back order and we will quickly be running out of the vaccine.

We prefer to use the Purevax Recombinant Rabies Vaccine. A recombinant vaccine contains a strip of DNA from the actual virus that has been inserted in Canary Pox virus. Canary Pox does not cause disease in cats, but the combination of the strand of Rabies DNA plus Canary Pox prompts the patient to produce antibodies without causing the virus itself. The vaccine cannot cause rabies. This vaccine provides immunity to the rabies virus for ONE YEAR.

We will have ongoing access to the rabies vaccine that provides immunity for THREE YEARS. This is the Nobivac 3 Year Killed Rabies Vaccines. A killed vaccine contains the actual virus but it is dead. In order for the virus to be utilized to produce antibodies, something must be added to the vaccine. The addition is called an adjuvant. Adjuvants have been linked to potential side effects including vaccine related sarcomas. The incidence of this is very low (1 in 10,000), but it is a potential risk.

We want you to have all the information necessary and know all of your options so you can make the best decision for you and your furry friend. During the back order period, there are a few different options for you to choose from if your cat is due for a Rabies Vaccine.

1. Schedule an appointment for the exam and any other treatments that may be needed. We will contact you in a few weeks once the vaccines are back in stock. Then you can schedule a quick technician appointment with a doctor or licensed veterinary technician for your cat to get the Rabies Vaccine. There will be no office visit charge unless there are other issues to address.

2. Schedule an appointment and your cat can receive the three year vaccine.

3. Wait and schedule everything once the vaccines are back in stock.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.