DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
Rabbit vaccination cost in the UK: myxomatosis and RVHD explained
Every pet rabbit in the UK needs protection against myxomatosis and rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease, two illnesses that are almost always fatal once caught. Most owners now use a single combined jab given once a year, and the cost swings more than people expect between practices. The real prices below show what different clinics are charging right now.
The quick version
- One combined annual jab covers myxomatosis and both strains of RVHD in most modern vaccines.
- There is no cure for either disease, so vaccination is the only realistic protection.
- The CMA found corporate-owned practices charged around 18.3% more than independents in 2026.
- Booking the jab as part of an annual health check often works out cheaper than two separate visits.
What people actually paid
Why the price varies so much
The single biggest factor is which vaccine your vet stocks. Some clinics use a combined product that covers myxomatosis and both RVHD strains in one shot, while others still give two jabs a few weeks apart, which doubles the appointment cost. Ownership matters too. The Competition and Markets Authority reported in 2026 that large corporate groups charged roughly 18.3% more than independent vets for comparable work, and rabbit vaccines sit squarely in that pattern. Location, whether a full health check is bundled in, and whether you are a new or existing client all nudge the figure up or down.
How to pay less
- Ring three practices, including at least one independent, and ask specifically for the combined single-jab price.
- Ask whether the annual health check is included in the vaccination fee or charged on top.
- Look into a practice health plan if you have more than one rabbit, since these often spread the cost monthly.
- Book the yearly booster on time so you never need a more expensive restart course.
Common questions
How often do rabbits need vaccinating?
Most combined myxomatosis and RVHD vaccines give a full year of cover, so a yearly booster is standard. Your vet will confirm the exact schedule for the product they use, as a few still require a separate RVHD2 top-up.
Does pet insurance cover rabbit vaccinations?
No. Like most routine and preventive care, vaccinations are excluded from pet insurance, which covers unexpected illness and injury instead. Some practice health plans do spread vaccination costs across monthly payments.
Is rabbit vaccination worth the cost?
Myxomatosis and RVHD are almost always fatal and cannot be treated once a rabbit catches them. The annual jab is far cheaper than the emergency care an infected rabbit would need, and it is the only reliable way to keep them safe.