Guide · Rabbits
Rabbit vaccination schedule (UK)
Rabbit vaccinations get missed more often than dog and cat ones, largely because there is no annual reminder culture around them. Here is what UK rabbits are protected against, when it starts, and how often it needs repeating.
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026
In short
What the vaccines cover
Myxomatosis is spread by biting insects such as fleas, mosquitoes and midges, and by direct contact with infected rabbits. It is very often fatal in pet rabbits.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease comes in two strains, RHDV1 and RHDV2. Both can kill quickly and with very little warning. RHDV2 needs specific cover, so it is worth confirming with your practice that your rabbit's vaccine includes it rather than assuming.
Typical UK timings
| Stage | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First vaccination | From about 5 weeks old | Exact minimum age depends on the product used |
| Second component, if used | As advised by the practice | Some protocols split RHDV2 into a separate injection |
| Booster | Every 12 months | One appointment usually covers everything |
Protocols vary between vaccine brands, so two rabbits in the same street can genuinely be on different schedules. The date written on the card by your own vet is the one to work to.
Indoor rabbits still need vaccinating
Insects get through open windows, and rabbit haemorrhagic disease is hardy enough to be carried indoors on shoes, clothing, hay and bedding. Most UK vets vaccinate indoor rabbits on the same annual schedule as outdoor ones. Living inside lowers the risk; it does not remove it.
If a booster lapses
Cover is not considered reliable once the booster is overdue, and some practices will restart rather than simply catch up, depending on how long the gap has been. Boarding services and rabbit-savvy sitters usually want to see an in-date card too. Book as soon as you notice rather than waiting for the next routine appointment.
Keeping the card safe
Rabbit vaccination cards are small, paper and easily lost in a drawer. Photograph the card the moment it is stamped and store it with the date, the practice and the next-due date. Pawfile keeps that photo, the dates and the reminder together, so the annual booster arrives as a notification rather than a memory.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Vaccination protocols vary by country, brand of vaccine and your pet's individual risk. Always follow the schedule your own vet recommends. Pawfile is an admin tool for keeping those records and reminders organised — it does not diagnose or treat.
Common questions
- What vaccinations do rabbits need in the UK?
- UK rabbits are routinely vaccinated against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease, covering both strains RHDV1 and RHDV2. Combined vaccines are widely used, and some practices give an additional separate RHDV2 vaccination depending on the product they stock.
- How old does a rabbit need to be for its first vaccination?
- Most UK rabbit vaccines can be given from around five weeks old, depending on the product. Rescue rabbits are often already done, so ask for the card or the date before booking.
- How often do rabbit vaccinations need boosting?
- Annually in most cases. Some practices use a protocol that boosts one component every twelve months and another at a different interval, so follow the date your own vet puts on the card.
- Do indoor rabbits need vaccinating?
- Yes. Myxomatosis is spread by fleas, mosquitoes and midges, which get indoors, and rabbit haemorrhagic disease can be carried in on shoes, clothing, hay and bedding. Indoor rabbits are commonly vaccinated on the same schedule as outdoor ones.
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