Rabbit Vaccinations: What Guardians Need to Know
- Team Nibbles
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
Many new rabbit guardians are never told that rabbits need annual vaccinations.
Unlike dogs and cats, vaccination is rarely discussed at the point of sale in pet shops or by breeders. As a result, many people simply don’t realise that rabbits are vulnerable to serious viral diseases — and that vaccination is the only way to protect them.
At Nibbles, the vast majority of rabbits arriving into our care are unvaccinated.
Annual vaccination is an essential part of rabbit guardianship and welfare. It is not an optional extra — it is a core responsibility of keeping rabbits safe.
Why Do Rabbits Need Vaccinating?
Rabbits are vulnerable to highly infectious viral diseases that are widespread in the UK.
These diseases:
Spread easily
Can survive in the environment
Often progress rapidly
Have no cure once contracted
Vaccination is the only effective way to protect rabbits.
Importantly, indoor rabbits are not protected from risk. Viruses can be carried indoors on:
Shoes
Clothing
Hay and forage
Insects such as mosquitoes and fleas
Contaminated equipment or surfaces
Even rabbits who never go outside are still at risk.
The Diseases Rabbits Are Vaccinated Against
🦠 Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a viral disease spread primarily by biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes, as well as through direct contact with infected rabbits.
It causes severe illness and suffering and remains present across the UK.
There is no cure for myxomatosis. Prevention through vaccination is the only protection.
🦠 Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD1 & RHD2)
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a viral disease affecting rabbits’ internal organs. RHD1 and RHD2 are variants of the same disease.
RHD2 is now widespread in the UK.
A highly virulent strain of RHD2 has been identified in parts of Europe. At present, there is no confirmed data suggesting widespread presence of this strain in the UK, though limited testing means certainty is difficult.
RHD can spread through:
Direct contact between rabbits
Contaminated food or hay
Clothing and footwear
Equipment
As with myxomatosis, there is no cure. Vaccination is the only effective protection.
What Vaccines Do Rabbits Need in the UK?
To provide full protection, rabbits require two separate vaccines:
Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus
Protects against:
Myxomatosis
RHD1
RHD2
Yurvac RHD
Provides additional protection against the highly virulent strain of RHD2.
These vaccines must not be given at the same time. They should be administered at least two weeks apart.
Rabbits do not follow the same vaccination protocol as dogs or cats. They do not require a two-injection “starter course” — however, they now require two separate vaccines annually to ensure full protection against all variants.
When Should Rabbits Be Vaccinated?
Nobivac can technically be given from five weeks of age. However, vaccination at this age does not always provide full immunity for the following 12 months.
For this reason, we recommend:
Nobivac at 7 weeks of age
Yurvac at 9 weeks of age, maintaining the required two-week gap
Adult rabbits who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination history is unknown should be vaccinated as soon as possible.
Lapses in vaccination leave rabbits vulnerable to serious disease. Annual boosters are essential to maintain protection.
Common Questions About Rabbit Vaccination
Do rabbits need to be vaccinated?
Yes. Vaccination is a core welfare responsibility and the only way to protect rabbits from these fatal viral diseases.
Do indoor rabbits need vaccinations?
Yes. These viruses can be carried indoors on shoes, clothing, hay, insects and other surfaces.
How often do rabbits need vaccinating in the UK?
Annually. Protection reduces over time and must be maintained with yearly boosters.
Can older rabbits be vaccinated safely?
In most cases, yes. Your vet will carry out a health check before vaccination to ensure it is appropriate.
Are rabbit vaccines safe?
Rabbit vaccines are widely used across the UK and are generally very safe. Your vet will discuss any individual health considerations with you.
What are the side effects?
Side effects are typically mild and temporary. These may include slight lethargy or a small swelling at the injection site.
Can vaccinated rabbits still catch these diseases?
No vaccine offers 100% protection, but vaccination dramatically reduces both the risk of infection and the severity of disease.
Is vaccination legally required in the UK?
No — but it is considered an essential part of responsible rabbit guardianship.
Vaccination and Rescue Standards
Rabbits adopted from reputable rescues should already be vaccinated and kept up to date with boosters.
Guardians should be provided with a vaccination record card as part of the adoption process.
Rescues that do not vaccinate or cannot provide vaccination records should be avoided as a source of adoption.
At Nibbles:
All rabbits are vaccinated before rehoming
All rabbits in our care receive annual boosters
We use Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus and Yurvac
Vaccination is part of ensuring rabbits leave us protected.
Good boarding facilities will also require proof of vaccination before accepting rabbits, as this protects all animals in their care.
Planning for Vaccination
Rabbit vaccines are an annual expense, and guardians should plan for this as part of routine care.
Many veterinary practices offer pet health plans or membership schemes that include vaccinations. Alternatively, setting aside a small monthly amount can help spread the cost across the year.
Preparing financially for vaccination is part of preparing to care for rabbits responsibly.
A Core Part of Responsible Guardianship
Myxomatosis and RHD remain present in the UK. They are serious, preventable diseases.
Vaccination is not an optional extra. It is the only way to protect rabbits.
If your rabbits are not currently vaccinated, speak to your vet and book an appointment. If they are vaccinated, make sure annual boosters are kept up to date.
For more guidance on rabbit welfare — including housing, diet, companionship and health — explore our Rabbit Care Hub.
Supporting Nibbles’ Work
Nibbles is a small charity, and we rely entirely on public support to continue our work. If you’ve found this article helpful, please consider making a donation.
Your support helps us:
Care for vulnerable rabbits and rodents in need
Advocate for better welfare standards
Create accessible care and welfare resources for everyday guardians
Every contribution makes a real difference — thank you for helping us give rabbits the lives they deserve.