Vaccinations

Vaccines Today, Wellness for Years to Come

Routine pet vaccinations are one of the easiest ways to protect your pet’s future health.

At Central Hospital for Animals Harrisburg, we treat preventive care as the starting point for lifelong wellness—and vaccinations are at the core of that approach. From your pet’s first weeks through their golden years, vaccines are vital in guarding against serious illnesses like rabies, parvovirus, feline leukemia, and more. Even if your pet rarely leaves the house, some diseases are airborne or transmissible by contact, which is why staying up to date is so important.

We understand that vaccine appointments can come with questions—what shots are necessary? Will they cause side effects? How often do boosters happen? You’re not alone. We’ll walk you through what to expect and help you make informed decisions tailored to your pet’s unique lifestyle.

Here are some common vaccines we recommend:

• Core Dog Vaccines: Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, canine hepatitis
• Core Cat Vaccines: Rabies, feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and distemper
• Lifestyle & Environment-Based: Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, canine influenza, feline leukemia

For puppies and kittens, vaccines are typically given in a series over several weeks, starting as early as 6–8 weeks of age. After the initial series, adult pets need regular boosters to keep their immunity strong—some annually, others less frequently depending on the vaccine.

Missed a round? No worries. We’ll evaluate where your pet is in their schedule and safely get them caught up. Many times, just a booster is needed. In other cases, restarting a series might be the best approach.

Most pets experience little more than a sleepy afternoon or minor tenderness at the injection site. We’ll keep an eye on anything that seems off and help you navigate any rare allergic reactions with care.

At Central Hospital for Animals Harrisburg, we’re your partners in prevention. Our team is always here to explain the why behind each shot, adjust recommendations as your pet ages, and make vaccine visits as smooth as possible. Vaccines are more than a checklist—they’re a key part of keeping your best friend by your side, healthy and thriving.