what to expect at your first rhdv-2 rabbit vaccine appointment
Going to your rabbit's first RHDV-2 vaccine appointment can feel intimidating, especially if you're not sure what to expect. Here's a straightforward walkthrough of the whole process so you and your rabbit can walk in confident.
Before Your Appointment
Your rabbit needs to be healthy before receiving the Medgene vaccine. If your rabbit has been recently ill, is currently on antibiotics, or is under 7 weeks of age, let your vet know in advance - they may recommend postponing until your rabbit is stable.
What to bring
Your rabbit in a secure, ventilated carrier
Any prior vet records (especially if this is a new vet relationship)
A small amount of your rabbit's favorite treats to keep them calm
Optional: A signed waiver - most clinics require one acknowledging the vaccine's conditional licensure status in the US (most if not all clinics will provide this)
During the Appointment
Every RHDV-2 vaccine appointment at BCB includes a wellness exam before the vaccine is administered. We partner with experienced exotic vets who take the time to confirm your rabbit is healthy before proceeding - not all low-cost clinics include this step, so it's worth asking when making an appointment elsewhere.
Plan for 15–20 minutes per rabbit, plus a 15-minute observation hold afterward to monitor for any immediate reactions.
What happens during a BCB wellness exam:
Weight, temparature check, heart rate + respiratory rate (vitals)
Teeth, ears + eyes check
General coat/skin condition assessment
Full body palpation (body composition - organs)
After the exam, the BCB vets will ask if you consent to oral anti-inflammatory medication (at no additional costs). This is because our vets will not see your rabbits after and wish to minimize any inflammation. The Medgene vaccine is administered via subcutaneous injection - typically on the right leg. Other clinics may administer at the scruff of the neck or between the shoulder blades. Regardless, it's quick.
After the Appointment
Most rabbits go home and act completely normal. Some experience mild, temporary side effects:
Slight lethargy for 24–48 hours
Small swelling at the injection site
Mild temporary fever
Reduced appetite for a day
These are normal immune responses and typically resolve on their own. However, if your rabbit stops eating and passing stool for more than 8 hours after the vaccine, contact your exotic vet immediately. If you don't have an established vet, see our LA + OC Exotic Vet Directory for rabbit-savvy clinics near you.
The Two-Dose Schedule
The Medgene vaccine is a two-dose series. One dose alone does not provide full immunity. The second dose must be administered 21–28 days after the first. Mark it on your calendar before you leave - missing the window means starting the series over.
After completing the two-dose series, your rabbit is considered fully protected approximately 14 days after the second dose. Annual boosters are required to maintain immunity.
A Note on Dose 2
If you received Dose 1 at a BCB clinic, you will be automatically registered for our Dose 2 clinic (typically 3 weeks later). If you're unable to attend our Dose 2 clinic, you will need to find an alternative exotic vet who carries the Medgene vaccine. Note that most vets charge standard exam rates for Dose 2, which may be higher than BCB's low-cost clinic pricing. See our LA + OC Exotic Vet Directory for options near you.
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