Rabbit Vaccinations in the UK (2026 Schedule)
UK pet rabbits need protection against three deadly viruses: myxomatosis, RHD1 and RHD2. All three are present in UK wild rabbit populations. All three are nearly always fatal in unvaccinated pet rabbits. The good news: one annual combined booster covers all three.
The Three Diseases
Myxomatosis
Spread by: rabbit fleas, mosquitoes, direct contact with wild rabbits.
Symptoms: swollen eyes and genitals, lumps, lethargy, loss of appetite. Usually fatal within 10–14 days.
Where it’s found: everywhere in the UK with wild rabbits. Common in summer and autumn when mosquitoes peak.
RHD1 (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, classic strain)
Spread by: direct contact, contaminated bedding, contaminated grass, flies, even on shoes brought into the garden.
Symptoms: often none. The first sign is usually a dead rabbit. Internal bleeding kills within hours.
Where it’s found: widespread in UK.
RHD2 (newer strain, present in UK since 2010)
Spread by: same as RHD1 — alarmingly easy to bring into a hutch on your shoes.
Symptoms: sudden death, sometimes preceded by 1–2 days of being “off”.
Why it matters: the old single RHD vaccine does not cover RHD2. If your vet hasn’t mentioned a combined or separate RHD2 jab, ask.
The 2026 Vaccination Schedule
| Age | Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 weeks (minimum) | Combined Myxo + RHD1 + RHD2 | Single injection: Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus or Filavac VHD K C+V depending on practice |
| Annually thereafter | Annual booster (same combined jab) | Cost: typically £40–£60 per rabbit in 2026 |
Some vets still use separate Myxo and RHD vaccines on a 6-monthly rotation. Both schedules work; the combined annual jab is simpler and is the current default.
What If I Missed a Booster?
Book the vet immediately. There’s no “safe overdue” period — immunity wanes by 12 months and a rabbit can be infected within days of lapsing. Catch-up vaccinations don’t require restarting the schedule, just one jab to top back up.
Indoor Rabbits Need Vaccinations Too
This is the most common myth we hear. Indoor rabbits absolutely need vaccinating. RHD viruses are remarkably hardy — they survive on shoes, on grass clippings brought inside, on hay (rare but documented), and on your hands after touching outdoor plants. The risk is lower than outdoor rabbits, not zero.
Side Effects
Most rabbits show nothing. Some develop:
- A small soft lump at the injection site (resolves in 2–3 weeks)
- Slight lethargy or reduced appetite for 24–48 hours
- Mild temperature
If your rabbit goes off food entirely for more than 24 hours post-jab, ring the vet.
Other Health Steps (Not Vaccines, But Often Asked)
- Neutering: females especially — 60%+ of unspayed does develop uterine cancer by age 5. Spaying is usually done at 4–6 months.
- Microchipping: not legally required for rabbits in the UK, but useful if they escape. Usually done at the same time as neutering.
- Flea treatment: rabbits can use Advantage (imidacloprid) for cats — never Frontline (fipronil), which is fatal to rabbits. Ask the vet.
- Worming: Panacur for 9 days, once a year, protects against E. cuniculi parasite.
Find a Rabbit-Savvy Vet
Not all small-animal vets are confident with rabbits. The Rabbit Welfare Association (RWAF) maintains a list of vets who’ve completed additional rabbit training. Search their site for “Rabbit Friendly Vet”. Worth a longer drive once a year.