Vaccinating your rabbit is one of the most important things you can do to keep them healthy and safe. It protects them from serious, often fatal diseases like Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) - illnesses that sadly have no cure.
Vaccines help your rabbit build up immunity, so they’re less likely to get sick or pass infections to other rabbits.
Rabbits need protection against:
Myxomatosis
Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) including both RHD-1 and RHD-2 strains
We usually recommend starting vaccinations at 5 to 7 weeks of age, followed by yearly booster shots to keep their immunity strong.
The Myxo-RHD PLUS vaccine offers protection against all three diseases in just one injection.
Absolutely, yes. Even if your rabbit lives indoors, vaccination is still very important.
Diseases like Myxomatosis and RHD can still find their way inside - on clothing, shoes, other pets, or through insect bites. House rabbits are not immune to these risks, so vaccination is the best way to keep them safe.
If your rabbit hasn’t been vaccinated yet, you can reduce their risk by:
Keeping them indoors as much as possible
Preventing contact with wild rabbits
Avoiding exposure to insects like mosquitoes and fleas
Keeping their environment clean and hygienic
Still, the best protection is vaccination - it's the only reliable way to guard against these serious diseases.
Most rabbits tolerate vaccines well. Some may have mild side effects, such as:
Feeling a bit sleepy or less active
Eating a bit less than usual
A small lump or swelling where the injection was given
These symptoms usually go away on their own within a couple of days. If your rabbit seems very unwell, stops eating, or shows signs of an allergic reaction (like swelling around the face), contact your vet straight away.
During your rabbit’s appointment, we will:
Give them a full health check
Talk with you about their lifestyle and any concerns
Administer the vaccine
Offer tailored advice and answer any questions
It’s also a great time to chat about your rabbit’s behaviour, diet, or any changes you’ve noticed at home.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published September 2025 | Review date September 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
