Older Cat is Failing after yearly checkup

Question
My 20 year old neutered male cat was doing fine considering his age until his yearly vet checkup on June 15 - he got his yearly shots and complete geriatric exam/bloodwork.  He got a clean bill of health but within a few days stopped eating and had to stay overnight at vet with iv/fluids. Vet did say the checkup could have caused this - the combo of vaccines, bloodwork, car ride, etc. Now I feel terrible - should I have just skipped the shots/visit? Does a 20 year old indoor cat really need shots and extensive bloodwork every year? I am afraid he is not going to make it - I was given an appetite stimulant for him and was told to give him baby food which he is eating, but he is not himself(I will definitely call vet Monday).
Thanks,
Lisa Kentala

Answer
Hi there,

According to the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) they DO recommend yearly bloodwork, but NOT yearly vaccines. Especially if your cat is INDOORS ONLY. Follow your state jurisdiction for rabies law.

It concerns me that after a vet visit he got so ill.  The appetite stimulant should help, but I am also worried that they only told you baby food and did not send you home with A/D prescription diet or Max Calorie (rx also).

If it was MY cat, I'd go elsewhere.