VACCINATIONS

 There are many different vaccine schedules for many different types of horses.  A "standard" vaccination program does not exist.  Pregnant mares and newborn foals, for instance, need different schedules than the average adult horse.  Some factors to consider when choosing a vaccine include the consequences of the disease, risk, exposure, cost, age, environment, efficacy, and adverse effects.  Generally, the first time a patient receives a vaccine, the initial series will include 2-3 shots, 3-6 weeks apart, to achieve adequate protection.

Average, non-pregnant, adult:

Potomac Horse Fever                                      biannual (spring and fall)

Eastern and Western Encephalitis virus    annual

Influenza virus (intramuscular/nasal)         every 3-6 months **

Rhinopneumonitis (herpes) virus                    every 3-6 months

Tetanus toxoid                                                    annual (spring)

West Nile Virus                                                   annual (spring)

Strangles (intranasal)                                     annual (spring) optional

Rabies virus                                                         annual (spring)

Botulism toxoid                                                   annual (fall*)

 * recommend if fed round bales

** Note: Research indicates that the intranasal flu vaccine is effective for 6 months. This protocol would eliminate the need for intramuscular flu shots every 3 months.

Pregnant Mare:

Rhinopneumonitis (herpes) virus                        at 5, 7, and 9 months gestation

Booster the following:                                          at 10 months

          Potomac Horse Fever

Eastern and Western Encephalitis

Tetanus

West Nile Virus (intramuscular)

Influenza (intramuscular)

Rabies

         Strangles (intramuscular) optional

Botulism (optional but highly recommended)   at 8, 9, and 10 months gestation

                                                                  (Shaker Foal Syndrom & round bale risks)

It is not recommended to administer modified live vaccines to pregnant mares.

Newborn foals (from a vaccinated mare):

 The schedule will be different if the mare is not vaccinated or if the vaccination History is unknown.

Potomac Horse Fever                             at 5-6 and 6-7 months

Eastern and Western Encephalitis     at 4-6, 5-7, and 6-8 months

Tetanus                                                      at 6, 7, and 8 months

West Nile Virus                                         at 4-6, 5-7, and 6-9 months

Influenza                                                    at 9 and 10 months

Rhinopneumonitis (herpes) virus          at 4, 5, and 6 months

Strangles (intranasal) optional          at 6-9 months and 3 weeks later

Rabies                                                          at 6 and 7 months

Botulism                                                      at 2-3 months, then 30 & 60 days later

Maternal antibodies are passed in colostrum and help to protect the foal in the few months after birth.  These antibodies actually interfere with vaccines given to the foal before 4 months old.  We generally measure the foal's blood antibody level with an IgG blood test within 24 hours of birth. 
It is expected that as a yearling in the first spring that vaccines are boosted.