Rabbit Vaccinations: Which Shots Rabbits Need and When

In the U.S., the vaccine most pet parents hear about is RHDV2. This is the disease rabbits are most commonly vaccinated against here. Merck states there are no FDA-approved RHDV2 vaccines in the U.S., but rabbits may still be vaccinated under USDA and state pathways, and Medgene's product is the rabbit vaccine most widely discussed by U.S. rabbit groups and veterinarians. (merckvetmanual.com)

By contrast, myxomatosis vaccines are used in some countries outside the U.S., especially where that disease is a major threat. They are not part of routine rabbit preventive care for most U.S. households. If you read rabbit care advice from the UK or Europe, you may see combined vaccines that do not match what is available in American practice. (merckvetmanual.com)

RHDV2 is a severe viral disease with high death rates. Cornell notes mortality can be very high, and Merck reports morbidity is often 100% with mortality commonly 60% to 90%. Some rabbits show fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, bleeding, breathing trouble, neurologic signs, or collapse. Others may die with few warning signs. (cwhl.vet.cornell.edu)

This virus is also tough in the environment. Cornell reports it can remain viable for months in carcasses and on contaminated materials, and it can spread through body secretions, contaminated objects, and mechanical vectors like insects. That means even indoor rabbits may still have some exposure risk through hay, greens, shoes, carriers, or people moving between rabbit environments. (cwhl.vet.cornell.edu)

For the Medgene RHDV2 vaccine, the manufacturer FAQ says the standard starting series is 2 doses, 21 days apart, and rabbits are considered fully protected 14 days after the second dose. The same FAQ says the vaccine has demonstrated safety when given at 7 weeks of age. (medgenelabs.com)

Booster timing is where conversations can vary. Merck references annual boosters for rabbit hemorrhagic disease vaccines, and rabbit-focused organizations in the U.S. commonly advise an annual booster after the initial series. In some higher-risk areas or outbreak settings, your vet may discuss a different interval based on local disease activity, travel, outdoor exposure, or boarding needs. (merckvetmanual.com)

Rabbit vaccine cost range depends heavily on where the shot is given. Community clinics and rescue-hosted events may charge around $30 to $50 per shot, while some rabbit rescues report around $90 total for a clinic visit or $100 total for a 2-shot series. Full-service exotic practices may charge $50 per shot plus an exam fee, and exam fees alone may run roughly $100 to $125 in some markets. (newmexicohrs.org)

For pet parents, that means the first vaccine series may cost anywhere from about $60 to $200 or more total. Annual boosters are often less than the initial series if no full exam is needed that day, but many practices still recommend a wellness exam at the same visit. Ask for a written estimate so you can compare a vaccine clinic, rescue event, and your regular exotic practice. (newmexicohrs.org)

Most rabbits do well after vaccination. Medgene reports that most rabbits have no observed side effects, though some may have a small swelling at the injection site, a mild temporary fever, or a few hours of lethargy. (medgenelabs.com)

Call your vet promptly if your rabbit stops eating, seems weak, has trouble breathing, develops severe swelling, or acts very different after vaccination. Rabbits can become critically ill quickly when they are not eating, even if the problem turns out to be unrelated to the vaccine. Your vet can help you decide whether your rabbit needs monitoring at home or same-day care.

Vaccination lowers risk, but it does not replace careful prevention. Rabbit health sources recommend keeping rabbits indoors in outbreak areas, limiting contact with unfamiliar rabbits, quarantining new rabbits, and being careful with shoes, carriers, forage, and insects. (vcahospitals.com)

You can ask your vet about a practical home plan. That may include indoor housing, hand washing before handling rabbits, changing shoes after outdoor rabbit exposure, washing greens, storing hay carefully, and avoiding shared equipment with other rabbit households.