Overview
Vaccinating your rabbits is essential to protect them from serious, often fatal diseases like myxomatosis and rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD). Whether your rabbits live indoors or outdoors, routine vaccinations safeguard their health and keep them out of harm’s way. Here's everything you need to know about rabbit vaccinations.
Why do rabbits need vaccinations?
There are three diseases rabbits need vaccines to protect them from. These are myxomatosis and the two strains of RVHD (RVHD1 and RVHD2). All three are highly contagious and can spread through insect bites, direct contact with other infected rabbits, or with contaminated objects like bedding and food bowls. Vaccinations are the most effective way to protect your rabbits, preparing their immune system to fight off these deadly viruses.
What do rabbit vaccinations cover?
In the UK, a combined vaccine is most commonly used. This annual vaccine protects against:
Myxomatosis: Spread by fleas, mosquitoes, and other infected rabbits, myxomatosis causes swelling, fever, and sore eyes. In unvaccinated rabbits, it’s usually fatal. While vaccination does not always prevent infection, it can significantly reduce the severity of the disease.
RVHD1: This strain causes severe internal bleeding and is almost always fatal. RVHD1 rarely affects younger rabbits (under 6 weeks old), primarily affecting adults.
RVHD2: This newer strain has a lower mortality rate, but it’s still a severe and sometimes fatal illness for rabbits who catch it. Unlike RVHD1, RVHD2 affects rabbits of all ages.
When should rabbits be vaccinated?
Rabbits can receive their first vaccination from as early as five to seven weeks old. After the initial dose, they require annual booster injections to maintain immunity.
If your rabbits have missed a booster or have not been vaccinated against RVHD2, your vet may advise restarting or updating their vaccinations. This can involve separate injections spaced two weeks apart to ensure complete coverage.
In the past, protecting your rabbits against all three diseases required two separate vaccinations. This often meant multiple trips to the vet and careful planning to space injections properly. Today, the combined vaccine simplifies this process by offering protection against all three diseases in a single dose.
Is combining vaccinations suitable for my rabbits?
Your vet will discuss your rabbits’ vaccination history before they receive any vaccine or booster, as the typical combined vaccine may not be suitable depending on what they have received in the past. The following scenarios may mean your vet will need to use a different approach, like the one described above:
Unvaccinated rabbits: If your rabbits have never been vaccinated or have lapsed boosters, your vet may recommend an initial course of two injections, spaced at least two weeks apart, to build their immunity effectively.
RVHD2 gaps: If your rabbits have been vaccinated for myxomatosis and RVHD1 but not RVHD2, your vet may administer a separate RVHD2 vaccine first, followed by the combined vaccine after enough time has passed.
Scheduling considerations: Vaccinations should not be administered too close together unless specifically recommended by a vet, as this can reduce how effective they are.
By following your vet’s guidance, you can ensure your rabbits receive the full protection they need to be safe.
How much do rabbit vaccinations cost?
The cost of rabbit vaccinations varies between vets. Usually, you can expect to pay between £70 and £105 for a combined annual vaccination. Some veterinary health plans, like Pet Health Club, include vaccinations as part of their monthly subscription, spreading the costs while keeping your rabbit protected. For the most accurate information, it is best to contact your local vet to ask.
Guidance for high-risk areas
If you live in a high-risk area where RVHD2 is prevalent – often rural areas with large wild rabbit populations – your vet may recommend additional measures such as more frequent boosters. In these regions, access to your rabbit's enclosure and avoiding contact with wild rabbits are crucial.
Travelling with your rabbit
If you plan to travel with your rabbits, particularly abroad, you may need to provide proof their vaccinations are up to date. Currently there is no rabies vaccine for rabbits, so depending on the law of your destination country you may also be required to quarantine your rabbits on arrival.
Speak to your vet well in advance of any travel to make sure everything will be fine. Rabbits are more prone to stress-related illnesses than other pets, so unless you are permanently moving you may want to think twice about taking your rabbits on a trip they might not appreciate.
Special considerations for chronic health issues
Rabbits with chronic health conditions are not always eligible for vaccinations, but if their condition is stable then there is a good chance they will be. Consult your vet to determine the safest approach.
Preventing disease in unvaccinated rabbits
For young or unvaccinated rabbits, follow these precautions:
Keep them indoors: This minimises the risk of contact with wild rabbits and insects.
Insect protection: Use mosquito netting over their enclosure, and give other household pets such as cats and dogs regular flea treatments.
Cleaning routines: Regularly clean their living areas with rabbit-safe disinfectants like Virkon S.
Quarantine: If you have a new rabbit, or one of your rabbits was exposed to a wild rabbit, keeping them isolated from your others for two weeks may be wise. RVHD symptoms typically become visible within the first week of infection, and myxomatosis symptoms take around 14 days to appear, so your rabbits shouldn’t need to be separated for long.
Side effects of rabbit vaccinations
Rabbits may experience mild side effects from vaccinations, which typically last no longer than 48 hours. These mild side effects include slight increases in body temperature, lethargy, mildly reduced appetites, or small swellings at the injection site.
In rare cases, more severe effects such as mild myxomatosis symptoms or allergic reactions may occur. If you notice these effects after your rabbits are vaccinated, seek veterinary attention right away.
Recommendations for rabbit shows and events
If you attend shows or events with your rabbits, you will likely need proof their vaccinations are up-to-date. Shows and events increase the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, so you’ll want to maintain strict hygiene throughout. This means changing your clothes after exposure to other rabbits, and disinfecting your rabbits’ carriers and supplies before and after events.
Rabbit vaccination FAQs
Can rabbits be neutered and vaccinated simultaneously?
Vaccinations should be done as soon as your rabbits are old enough, rather than waiting for neutering. Combining these procedures can cause a lot of stress for rabbits and may affect vaccine efficacy.
Can rabbits be ‘over-vaccinated’?
No, there is no evidence of this. The side effects of vaccinations are mild and short-lived, while the risks of not vaccinating your rabbits are very serious.
How do I find rabbit vaccinations near me?
Use our find-a-vet tool to find the nearest practice offering rabbit vaccinations in your area.
Why choose Pet Health Club?
Pet Health Club offers a cost-effective way to manage your rabbits’ preventative care. Membership includes annual vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, health checks, discounts, and more. This subscription plan ensures your rabbits get the best care while saving you money in the long run.
Medically reviewed by
Published on 16/04/2025 • Reviewed on 16/04/2025