2026 Puppy Vaccination Schedule Overview — Costs by Type and How to Choose Vaccinations for Your Dog

Lifestyle & Age CarePreventionMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Puppy vaccinations should begin at 6–8 weeks of age and continue until all five doses of the core combination vaccine and the rabies vaccine have been administered. We’ve compiled a clear overview of the vaccination schedule by type and average veterinary clinic costs as of 2026.

What Are Puppy Vaccinations?

A puppy being examined at a veterinary clinic

Puppy vaccinations are an essential preventive medical procedure that helps young dogs build immunity against deadly infectious diseases. The primary goal is to protect against highly contagious and lethal core diseases such as distemper (CDV), adenovirus (CAV-2), and parvovirus. Timing is truly the most critical factor. Maternal antibodies transferred through colostrum (first milk) gradually wane as the puppy grows, but while these antibodies remain, they can actually interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness. Therefore, the first vaccination is typically administered at 6 to 8 weeks of age, followed by booster shots every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy reaches 16 weeks of age. Rabies vaccination is usually given after 12 weeks of age. Since it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when each individual puppy develops sufficient immunity, the safest approach is to complete the entire vaccination series according to the recommended schedule and consult your veterinarian to adjust the timing as needed.

Essential Checks Before Vaccination

It’s best to postpone vaccinations if your dog isn’t feeling well. For vaccines to work effectively, your dog needs to be healthy and able to mount a normal immune response. If your dog has diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite, skip the vaccination that day and consult your veterinarian. After adoption, give your dog a few days to adjust to the new environment, as the change can be stressful. Once settled, schedule a veterinary check-up as soon as possible to begin the first round of vaccinations. Avoid bathing your dog within 24 hours of vaccination. Mild, temporary side effects such as lethargy, soreness, or low-grade fever may occur for 2–3 days after vaccination; during this time, avoid walks, baths, and vigorous play, and monitor your dog’s condition closely. If your dog appears noticeably unwell, contact your veterinarian immediately.

5-Dose Schedule for Core Combination Vaccine (DHPPL)

Core vaccines are the cornerstone of puppy vaccination. They protect against essential viral diseases such as distemper (CDV), adenovirus (CAV-2), and parvovirus in a single shot, and typically include parainfluenza as well. Leptospirosis (L) coverage varies depending on the serovar, so it is usually started separately at around 12 weeks of age, with booster doses given every 2 to 3 weeks. The vaccination schedule is as follows: - Initial dose: 6 to 8 weeks of age - Booster doses: Repeated at 2- to 4-week intervals - Completion: Finish by 16 weeks of age The most critical aspect is starting at 6 to 8 weeks and continuing boosters every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy reaches 16 weeks of age. Maternal antibodies can persist until around 16 weeks, potentially interfering with the vaccine response, so ensuring the final dose is administered by 16 weeks is essential. After completing the series, immunity against viruses like distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus tends to last relatively long, but components with shorter-lasting immunity, such as leptospirosis, are recommended for annual boosters.

A young puppy receiving its core vaccinations.

Additional Recommended Vaccines — Coronavirus, Kennel Cough, and Rabies

In addition to core vaccines, you may consider additional (non-core/elective) vaccinations based on your pet’s living environment and risk factors. - Canine Coronavirus (CCV) vaccine: This is not a core vaccine; discuss with your veterinarian to decide whether it’s appropriate based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk level. - Kennel cough vaccine (Bordetella): Helps prevent respiratory infections caused by Bordetella and parainfluenza (commonly known as kennel cough). Because immunity wanes quickly, annual booster shots are recommended. - Rabies vaccine: A core vaccine typically administered after 12 weeks of age, followed by regular boosters. It is legally required under animal protection laws. - Canine Influenza (CIV) vaccine: Recommended for dogs frequently exposed to crowded environments such as boarding facilities, grooming salons, or daycare. The standard protocol involves two doses given two weeks apart, completed 4–5 weeks before anticipated exposure. It’s best to complete the kennel cough and rabies vaccinations before your dog begins regular outdoor activities.

A variety of dog vaccines neatly arranged in a veterinary clinic tray

2026 Puppy Vaccination Costs by Type

Item	Cost per dose	Total number of doses	Total cost
Combination vaccine (DHPPL)	KRW 30,000–50,000	5 doses	KRW 150,000–250,000
Coronavirus enteritis	KRW 20,000–30,000	2 doses	KRW 40,000–60,000
Kennel cough	KRW 30,000–40,000	1–2 doses	KRW 30,000–80,000
Influenza	KRW 30,000–50,000	2 doses	KRW 60,000–100,000
Rabies	KRW 10,000–20,000	1 dose	KRW 10,000–20,000
Antibody titer test	KRW 50,000–80,000	1 time	KRW 50,000–80,000
Grand total	—	—	KRW 340,000–590,000

Based on average prices at metropolitan-area animal hospitals as of January 2026 — costs vary by region, hospital, and whether a multi-dose package discount applies.

Antibody Testing After the 5th Dose — Determining the Need for Booster Shots

The timing of immune system development varies significantly among individual dogs. Factors such as the remaining levels of maternal antibodies and each puppy’s unique response to vaccines make it difficult to pinpoint exactly when sufficient immunity is achieved. For this reason, veterinary guidelines emphasize completing the entire vaccination series—starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continuing at 2- to 4-week intervals until 16 weeks of age—rather than relying on a single dose at any specific point. Immunity works like memory: repeated vaccinations with the same vaccine elicit stronger and faster immune responses. It is especially important to administer the final dose by 16 weeks of age, as maternal antibodies may still be present and interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness. Even after completing the full vaccination schedule, whether adequate immunity has developed and whether booster shots are needed can vary depending on the individual dog’s condition. Therefore, it is safest to consult your veterinarian before starting walks or socialization activities.

A veterinarian reviewing a puppy’s antibody test results.

Proper Vaccination Methods and Post-Vaccination Care

Vaccinations should ideally be administered at the same veterinary clinic according to a set schedule. This is essential to ensure the vaccine’s effectiveness by strictly following the manufacturer’s guidelines and proper administration methods, including dosage and route. - Pre-vaccination checkup: Check body temperature, weight, and overall condition. - Post-vaccination observation: Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions typically appear within minutes to a few hours, so please stay at the clinic for about 30 minutes for monitoring. - Activity restrictions on the day of vaccination: Avoid vigorous play, bathing, and walks. - Monitoring for 2–3 days: Watch for temporary reactions such as fever, vomiting, or swelling at the injection site. - Confirm the next vaccination schedule: Administer subsequent doses at 2- to 4-week intervals until the pet reaches 16 weeks of age. If your pet experiences difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, or facial swelling after vaccination, these could be signs of anaphylaxis, and you should seek immediate veterinary care.

A veterinarian and pet owner discussing the puppy’s vaccination schedule.

Breed-Specific Vaccine Side Effect Precautions

Adverse reactions after vaccination are reported more frequently in small dogs. Therefore, extra care should be taken with extra-small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Pomeranians, as they may experience pain at the injection site or temporary lethargy. However, it is medically inappropriate to halve the vaccine dosage simply because a dog is small; the prescribed dose should be administered regardless of breed or body size. Before vaccination, inform your veterinarian of your dog’s breed, past vaccination reactions, and health status to develop a vaccination plan together, and closely monitor your dog’s condition for 24 hours after vaccination. If you have adopted a senior dog or if your dog has a weakened immune system, adjust the vaccination schedule individually with your veterinarian.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if vaccinations are started late?

Puppies older than 8 weeks can still begin their vaccination series from the first dose. If you haven’t started yet, begin as soon as possible. If you’ve already started, schedule subsequent booster shots at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. Keep in mind that the later you start, the longer your puppy remains vulnerable to external infections. Therefore, after allowing a few days for adjustment post-adoption and completing a veterinary check-up, proceed with vaccinations as soon as possible and finish all booster doses by 16 weeks of age.

Is it absolutely forbidden to take my pet for walks until all vaccinations are complete?

It’s safest to avoid areas with soil, grass, or other dogs’ feces until your puppy has completed all vaccinations (usually by 16 weeks of age) and developed immunity. However, since socialization during the critical period is also important, you can discuss with your veterinarian about gradually exposing your puppy to clean, human-only streets for short periods while carrying them, once vaccinations have progressed to a certain stage.

Is there a way to reduce vaccination costs?

Many local animal welfare centers offer rabies vaccinations for free or at a discounted rate during certain periods. Since the cost of combination vaccines varies significantly between veterinary clinics, it’s wise to compare prices at two or three clinics and take advantage of multi-dose package discounts. However, receiving all vaccinations at the same clinic is more beneficial for maintaining consistent medical records.

My puppy is lethargic and not eating after vaccination. Is this normal?

It’s common for puppies to show mild lethargy, a decreased appetite, a slight fever, or pain and swelling at the injection site for one to two days after vaccination. These temporary side effects usually resolve within three days. However, if your puppy appears noticeably unwell within three days of vaccination, refuses food for more than 24 hours, or experiences severe vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Do puppies that have received sufficient maternal milk still need vaccinations?

Yes, it’s necessary. The maternal antibodies (passive immunity) that puppies receive from their mother’s colostrum gradually wane as they grow. Without vaccination to fill this gap, they become vulnerable to life-threatening infections like parvovirus during this immune-deficient period. Additionally, while maternal antibodies are still present, they can interfere with vaccine efficacy. That’s why it’s crucial to follow a scheduled vaccination plan up to 16 weeks of age to establish a solid foundation for lifelong immunity.

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References

[1] Ford RB, Larson LJ, McClure KD, et al. 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc, 2017;53(5):243-251.

[2] Day MJ, Horzinek MC, Schultz RD, Squires RA. WSAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats. J Small Anim Pract, 2016;57(1):E1-E45.

[3] Greene CE. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat (개와 고양이 감염질환학), 4th Edition, Saunders, 2012.

[4] Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, Cote E. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (수의내과학 교과서), 8th Edition, Elsevier, 2017.