Purevax RCPCh

Purevax RCPCh is available as a lyophilisate (freeze-dried pellet) and solvent that are made up into a suspension for injection. The vaccine is given as two doses injected under the skin. The first injection should be given in kittens aged at least eight weeks, with a second injection three to four weeks later. If the kitten has high levels of antibodies received from the mother in the womb and in the milk, the first vaccination should be delayed until 12 weeks of age. The cat should be revaccinated for all components one year after the first vaccination course, then every year for chlamydiosis, and every three years for rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis and panleucopenia.

For more information about using Purevax RCPCh, see the package leaflet or contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.

Purevax RCPCh is a vaccine. Vaccines work by ‘teaching’ the immune system (the body’s natural defences) how to defend itself against a disease. Purevax RCPCh contains small amounts of weakened or killed viruses and bacteria that cause feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis, chlamydiosis and panleucopenia.

When a cat is given the vaccine, the immune system recognises the weakened or killed viruses and the weakened bacteria as ‘foreign’ and makes antibodies against them. In the future, the immune system will be able to produce antibodies more quickly when it is again exposed to the viruses or bacteria. The antibodies will help to protect against the diseases caused by these viruses or bacteria. When exposed to any of these viruses later in life, the cat will either not become infected or have a much less serious infection.

The effectiveness of Purevax RCPCh has been studied in several trials in laboratory conditions where cats were vaccinated and infected with herpesvirus, calicivirus, C. felis or parvovirus. In the field, the studies of Purevax RCPCh looked at the basic vaccination schedule (2 injections 3–4 weeks apart) and at the booster vaccination. They included young and adult cats of various breeds, but not young kittens. The main measure of effectiveness was the level of antibodies in the blood against the viruses and bacteria in the vaccine.

In laboratory conditions Purevax RCPCh was demonstrated to provide protection against the diseases listed above. In the field study of basic vaccination there was an increase in antibodies against feline rhinotracheitis herpesvirus, calicivirus infection, and feline panleucopenia viruses. It was not possible to detect a rise in antibodies against C. felis because of high levels of antibodies in the cats at the beginning of the study. In the study looking at booster vaccination, antibody levels against rhinotracheitis herpesvirus, calicivirus infection, feline panleucopenia and C. felis remained stable at a high level or increased slightly.

The most common side effects with Purevax RCPCh (which may affect up to 1 in 10 animals) are temporary apathy (loss of interest in surroundings) and anorexia (loss of appetite), as well as hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) lasting for one or two days. There may be a local reaction at the injection site, with slight pain on touching, itching or oedema (swelling), which disappears within one or two weeks.

Purevax RCPCh should not be used in pregnant cats and during lactation.

For the full list of side effects and restrictions of Purevax RCPCh, see the package leaflet.

In case of accidental self-injection medical advice should be sought immediately and the package leaflet or the label shown to the doctor. The vaccine should not be handled by people with a weak immune system. If self-injection does occur in these people, tell the doctor that self-injection with a living chlamydial vaccine has occurred.

The European Medicines Agency decided that Purevax RCPCh’s benefits are greater than its risks and it can be authorised for use in the EU.

Purevax RCPh received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU on 23 February 2005.