Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What to Expect and When

Puppy vaccines are given in a series rather than a single dose because of how maternal antibodies work — puppies receive some immunity from their mother, but that protection fades gradually and unpredictably over the first several months, at a rate that varies puppy to puppy. Multiple doses spaced a few weeks apart ensure that at some point in the series, the puppy's own immune system responds and builds lasting protection, rather than the vaccine being neutralized by still-present maternal antibodies.

A typical schedule starts around 6-8 weeks with the first combination vaccine (covering distemper, parvovirus, and other core diseases), with additional doses roughly every 3-4 weeks until around 16 weeks of age. Rabies vaccination is typically given once during this window, often around 12-16 weeks depending on local regulations, and is usually legally required.

Your puppy isn't considered fully protected until the series is complete, generally around 16 weeks — this matters for decisions about dog parks, puppy classes with unknown-vaccination-status dogs, and boarding, where exposure risk is highest before full protection kicks in.

Non-core vaccines (like leptospirosis or Bordetella for kennel cough) may be recommended depending on your region and lifestyle, and are worth discussing specifically with your vet based on your puppy's expected exposure — a puppy headed for daycare or frequent dog park visits has different relevant risk than one with minimal social exposure.

What to do: Follow your vet's specific schedule rather than a generic timeline, since exact timing can vary by vaccine brand and regional disease risk, and avoid higher-exposure environments until the series is complete or your vet gives specific guidance otherwise.

For the kennel cough vaccine specifically and what it does and doesn't prevent, here's more detail.