Vaccines can feel like a confusing checklist when you’re trying to care for your pet. With so much information online—some helpful, some not—it’s easy to lose track of what really matters. At Millbrae Pet Hospital, your veterinarian in Millbrae, CA, we want to clear the air and explain what vaccines do, why they matter, and how to sort fact from fiction.
Myth: Pets Don’t Need Vaccines if They Stay Indoors
Even indoor pets can be exposed to diseases. Viruses and bacteria can travel on shoes, clothing, or even through open windows. Rabies, for example, is required by law in many places, even for indoor cats. Skipping vaccines because your pet stays inside is like skipping car insurance just because you don’t drive often: It’s risky and not worth the gamble.
Myth: Vaccines Are Unsafe or Overused
Vaccines go through careful testing and regulation. Side effects are rare, and when they do happen, they’re usually mild: Things like tiredness or slight swelling. The risk of serious illness from skipping a vaccine is much higher. Parvo, distemper, and feline leukemia are all preventable but dangerous if left unchecked.
Fact: Not All Pets Need Every Vaccine
That’s true—and that’s why vets build vaccine plans based on your pet’s age, breed, environment, and lifestyle. Some vaccines are considered “core,” meaning they’re recommended for all pets. Others are “non-core,” given based on specific risk.
Core Vaccines Often Include:
• Rabies
• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline panleukopenia
Non-Core Vaccines May Include:
• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Lyme disease
• Leptospirosis
• Feline leukemia
We’ll walk you through each option and explain what’s recommended based on your pet’s routine.
Fact: Vaccine Schedules Matter
Puppies and kittens need a series of shots to build immunity, not just one. Missing doses or giving them too far apart can weaken their protection. Adult pets also need regular boosters to maintain defense.
What Your Vet Wants You to Know
Vaccines protect more than just your pet—they help prevent outbreaks and keep other animals (and people) safe. We understand concerns about over-vaccination, and we’re here to talk through each step of the plan. Our job is to keep your pet healthy without overloading their system.
Get Pet Hospital Services, a Pet Wellness Exam, Annual Wellness Care, Parasite Control, and Pet Vaccinations from a Veterinarian Near You
Pet vaccines are a small part of the visit, but they do a big job. They keep diseases off your doorstep and out of your routine. At Millbrae Pet Hospital, your veterinarian in Millbrae, CA, we keep vaccine plans tidy, tailored, and based on what your pet needs. Call us at (650) 583-1500 for pet hospital services, a pet wellness exam, annual wellness care, parasite control, and pet vaccinations from a veterinarian near you.