When to vaccinate your puppy? The schedule to know

Primary vaccination usually starts around 8 weeks, once the protection from maternal antibodies begins to wane. Before that age, the puppy is generally still protected by the colostrum received at birth, which makes vaccinating too early less effective.

The vet confirms the right time to start, based on the litter's history and health context.

A single injection isn't enough: a puppy's immune system needs several closely spaced boosters to build reliable protection. The standard protocol usually involves 2 to 3 injections, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, until around 16 weeks.

Until this cycle is complete, the puppy remains vulnerable: it's recommended to avoid high-traffic dog areas (parks, uncontrolled walks) during this period, while still allowing suitable socialisation with dogs of known vaccination status.

Once the initial cycle is complete, an annual booster is generally recommended to maintain protection over time. The exact frequency of boosters (not every vaccine requires a yearly repeat) should be confirmed with the vet, who adapts the protocol to age, lifestyle, and current veterinary recommendations.

To go further, check out our article on how often to deworm a dog.

To go further, check out our article on how much a dog costs per year.

To go further, check out our article on flea and tick treatment for dogs.

To go further, check out our article on spaying or neutering a dog.

To go further, check out our article on preparing for your puppy's arrival.