Here's may take on this topic. All kittens need a series of injections to stimulate their immunity. This initial series includes 2 or 3 FVRPC vaccines to stimulate the immune system against these potentially serious viral diseases. According to the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners), they should all be tested for FELV and FIV and then vaccinated against Feline Leukemia, and they should receive a rabies vaccine after they are 3 months old. We recommend and use the Purevax recombinant DNA vaccine by Merial. All kittens should be boosted at 1 year of age with the FVRPC and Rabies (Felv not necessary if they are going to be indoor cats). Then we recommend FVRPC vaccines every 3 years and rabies annually according to the label (and the law). Notice that the only annual vaccine is the rabies. So, let's talk about that one first. The truth is that the chances of your indoor cat contracting rabies is low. It's not zero and I have a story that I would be glad to share with anyone that really wants to hear it that will illustrate a case that I had when I first started practice. While the risk is low, the consequences are really serious. Rabies is fatal. Not sometimes, always. It is contageous to all mammals, that means people as well as cats. If your cat is not vaccinated and it bites someone, you could be forced to have your cat's brain removed and sent to the state lab for testing. I don't write the laws, I just let you know what they are. Vaccinate your cat for Rabies, it's the law and it's good rational medical advice.
Why the FeLV recommendations. The AAFP recommends vaccinating kittens because their immune system is not mature, the test could be a false negative, they could have a latent (hidden) infection, and I can't tell you how many kittens come into my office with owner intentions of them never going outside ever again, only to find out one year later that they are spending time outdoors. Once their lifestyle as an indoor cat is established and their immune system is cranked, they do not need boosters of this vaccine as long as they stay indoor cats.
The FVRPC is an excellent vaccine. It stimulates an excellent immune response. After a few triennial boosters, your indoor cat probably has enough immunity to protect it through the rest of it's life. I still tend to be cautious and have always vaccinated my cats every three years. Cat households tend to be fluid and new kittens come and go on a regular basis. Many cats have chronic viral infections from when they were kittens and regular vaccination seems to keep these infections at bay. Plus, you can bring these viruses into the home and expose your indoor cat. It just makes sense to me so I recommend it for my patients.
Now, just because your cat is at minimal risk for infectious disease doesn't mean that it doesn't need to be seen at least once a year by your veterinarian. Cats are very good at hiding disease. 80% of cats over three years of age have dental disease, some times very painful dental disease. 1 in 3 cats will develop diseases such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and heart disease before they are senior pets. They won't tell you they don't feel well until it is too late for you to do anything about it. So, regular examinations, fecal tests for parasites (yes even indoor cats), urine tests for diabetes, infection, crystals, and inflammation of the bladder, and blood tests for evaluation of the endocrine (hormone) system and organs as well as complete blood counts to detect anemia and infections should be performed on a regular basis. Don't ignore your cat. Ask your vet about wellness screening and what you can do to help your indoor cat live to a ripe old age.
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