| Vaccine |
How Often? |
Time of Year? |
| Flu and Rhino | Spring and fall. Horses that are at higher risk because of their travel or competition schedule should be boostered more often - every three months. | 2-4 times a year, depending on risk of exposure. |
| Encephalitis (EEE/WEE) | Preferably in the spring, before the mosquitoes hatch. | Once a year. |
| Tetanus | Once a year. | Anytime of year. |
| Rabies | Once a year. Recommended by the state and the MVMA (Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association). | Anytime of year. Any horse that has never been vaccinated should be done so right away because of the increasing spread of rabies among raccoons,skunks and other mammals that could potentially bite livestock. Please don't forget to vaccinate your barn cats too. |
| Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) | Once a year. In high-risk areas (the mid-atlantic states), horses should be vaccinated twice a year. | Any time of year. |
| Streptococcus Equi (Strangles) | Once a year. Before risk of exposure. | Some boarding barns require this vaccination. The strep. equi bacteria can survive in a barn or paddock long after an initial outbreak of the disease. We prefer to use the intra-nasal vaccine. ** Vaccination is not recommended in an outbreak. |
| West Nile Vaccine | Once a year. | Preferably in late spring. |
| Botulism | Usually only recommended in high-risk areas. | Consult with your veterinarian. |
Although up to four of the vaccines listed above can be given at the same time, five or six shots in one day is too many. We recommend that you split up your horse's shots to minimize the risk of a reaction. In any case, please don't wait until the day before a show or a long trip to vaccinate your horse. The added stress of shipping and competing right after vaccinating can make your horse more vulnerable to illness. It takes approximately two weeks to gain maximal immunity to the disease you have vaccinated for. Plan your riding schedule so you can give your horse the day off after the vaccinations. | ||
All vaccines are tested carefully for safety before they are made available for horses, but some horses are more prone to having a reaction to shots than others. If your horse seems to have a stiff neck or to have lost interest in his food, keep him warm and comfortable and keep an eye on him. A certain amount of walking around and stretching may make him feel better, but don't turn your horse out if he's going to gallop around and break a sweat. If his neck is really stiff, you can apply a hot towel to that area and hang up a hay net to make it easier for him to eat. Check his temperature. If your horse is unusually sore after a vaccination or is running a fever, consult your veterinarian to see whether it's advisable to give him some Bute (Phenylbutazone) or Banamine (Flunixin Meglumine). Most reactions to vaccinations are mild and clear up on their own within a day or so. Severe reactions to vaccinations are rare, but as with any signs of serious illness, call your veterinarian immediately. |
