Vaccination FAQs

What vaccinations may be recommended for my horse?

Every situation is different, and discussing your specific horse’s needs with a veterinarian is the best way to make a plan for vaccinations.  However, the basic "core" vaccinations that every horse needs at least yearly are:  Rabies, Tetanus, Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis, and West Nile Virus.  These diseases are widespread, serious, life threatening and/or very costly to treat, and are easily prevented with vaccination.  They also are not spread horse-to-horse, meaning your horse is susceptible to exposure whether or not he/she leaves the farm or interacts with other horses.

Additional vaccinations that may be recommended include the contagious respiratory viruses (Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis) and the contagious respiratory disease Strangles.  Depending on environment, Potomac Horse Fever and/or Botulism vaccinations may be recommended.  Finally, in breeding stock, Equine viral arteritis vaccination may be necessary.

Brief summaries of the diseases we vaccinate for, how often they should be given, and when to give them:

Rabies:  An untreatable neurologic virus.  Rabies is present in the fox, skunk, racoon and bat population generally, and is transmitted when saliva from an infected animal enters a wound or mucus membrane (bite wound, eyes, mouth, etc).  It is always fatal, and it is transmissible to people.  The only prevention is vaccination, given yearly.  It does not matter what time of year the vaccine is given. 

Tetanus: A bacteria that gains access to the body through a wound.  The toxins produced by this bacteria cause a rigid spasm in the muscles ("lockjaw" or "sawhorse stance").  This disease is debilitating, very costly to treat and can be fatal.  Because of their environment, horses are considered at high risk for this disease.  They should be vaccinated yearly.  A booster vaccination should be given if a wound occurs greater than 6 months after vaccination. 

Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis:  Two strains of the same virus, transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.  This disease, like Rabies, affects the nervous system, and is often fatal.  It is not transmissible directly from horse to human, but the same disease can be transmitted to humans through a mosquito bite.  In this area, yearly vaccination in the spring (before mosquitoes emerge) is sufficient. 

West Nile Virus: Similar to EEE/WEE (above), this virus is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito and affects the nervous system.  It is often fatal, and very costly to treat.  Horses that survive may be left with permanent deficits. Yearly vaccination in the spring (before mosquitoes emerge) is highly protective against the disease. 

Influenza: A highly contagious virus which causes an irritating respiratory infection.  Not generally fatal but can be debilitating, especially in younger horses.  Can be compounded by inhaled irritants from trailering, dusty arenas; horses that travel and are exposed to many different horses are especially at risk.  The intranasal form of this vaccination is protective for 6 months, because it targets the nasal mucosa which is the primary defense against the disease.  The intramuscular form of the vaccine lasts only a few months, and may be less protective.  Horses should be vaccinated about a month before travelling or showing, to allow their immunity to be at the highest level when they are at risk.

Rhinopneumonitis (now known as Equine Herpes Virus):  Similar to influenza, a highly contagious respiratory virus.  Additionally, some strains can cause abortions in pregnant mares, and rarely will cause a severe (often fatal) neurologic disease.  The vaccine is short lasting (about 3 months) and should be boostered about a month before travelling or exposure to other horses.  Horses at high risk should be vaccinated every three months.  Horses at low risk can often be given the vaccination once or twice yearly before exposure to high risk situations.  Pregnant mares should be vaccinated with an inactivated ("killed") form of the vaccine at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation, to help prevent abortion due to this virus.

Strangles: A highly contagious, debilitating bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi equi.  This disease classically causes abscesses in lymph nodes near the throatlatch, as well as severe yellow nasal discharge.  Rarely, internal abscesses (in the abdominal or chest cavities) may occur which cause severe complications.  The intranasal form of this vaccine is more effective (and safer) than the intramuscular form, and should be given to high risk horses once or twice yearly. 

Potomac Horse Fever: A bacterial infection caused by eating infected insects found near marshy land - can cause diarrhea, fever, and/or laminitis.  This disease is not very common in this area, but is seen more regularly east (Syracuse area) and south/east (PA).  The vaccine is not 100% protective but will often lessen the severity of the disease.  An unvaccinated horse may develop severe enough laminitis to need to be euthanized, while vaccinated horses may only experience diarrhea and warm feet, for example.  The vaccine should be given once or twice yearly.  If once yearly, give in spring.  If twice yearly, give in spring and fall.

Botulism:  A bacterial toxin that causes severe muscle weakness.  The toxin is usually ingested while eating contaminated hay (likely in round bales or bales which contain dead animals).  The disease is very costly to treat and is often fatal.  A yearly vaccination (any time) is effective.

Equine Viral Arteritis: An infection spread by mating.  Vaccination is often required in breeding stock, given 2-4 weeks before the breeding season to stallions, and yearly to mares when they are NOT in foal.  At the time of the first vaccination, horses need to be tested and confirmed negative for the disease. 

What combination vaccines are available?

Giving many vaccinations at once can increase the strain on your horse’s immune system and increase the chance for inappetance/dullness, mild colic, neck stiffness, or emergence of an underlying syndrome. To reduce these effects, we often recommend breaking up spring vaccinations into two appointments, spaced 2-3 weeks apart. This of course is a generalization, and you should consult with a veterinarian to determine the best schedule for your horse and farm.

There are several "combination" vaccinations available. 

The newest one that we recommend is the “Core EQ” vaccine. It was released in 2018 and it protects against five core diseases (Eastern/Western Encephalitis, Tetanus, West Nile Virus, and Rabies) that every horse, regardless of travel history, can be exposed to. Although it contains 5 vaccines, it only contains 1 adjuvant, which is the vaccine component that is believed to cause the vast majority of reactions. As a result, this vaccine is much less likely to cause an adverse reaction than administering each vaccine separately.

We have other combinations available, including the “3-in-one” or “E/W/T”, which contains the Eastern/Western Encephalitis vaccine, plus the Tetanus vaccine. We also carry a "4-in-one" or "E/W/T/WNV" which adds the injectable West Nile Virus. There is also a "2-in-one" which is the Rhino vaccine plus the injectable Influenza. 

Can I save money by administering vaccines myself?

With vaccines readily available at farm supplies stores, online pharmacies and other retailers, it's sometimes tempting to save a few dollars by purchasing and administering them to your animals yourself. Because there are hidden risks and costs associated with vaccinating animals yourself, "cheaper" vaccines aren't the value they first appear to be. 

Having your horse on the correct vaccination schedule allows the veterinarian to observe the animal regularly and detect early signs of a disease or disorder.  Based on these visits, your veterinarian can suggest other, more in-depth examinations or tests for your horse.

Here are several other good reasons why a veterinarian is your best choice for administering vaccines: 

Proper Handling of the Vaccine

Many vaccines require special handling and storage.  For instance, a particular vaccine may require protection from extremes of temperature or exposure to light to preserve its effectiveness.  Rely on a licensed veterinarian to store and handle the vaccine properly.  Another aspect of proper handling is also making sure that the vaccine has not passed its expiration date.  Veterinarians are keenly aware of the effective life of a given vaccine. 

Safe Administration

Part of safe administration is a clean environment and injection site, otherwise you may be putting pathogens into your horse's system instead of protecting against them.

Some vaccines cannot be given at the same time as other medicines.  Your veterinarian will know which vaccines and medications can react with one another.  Your veterinarian will document the vaccine’s serial number and administration date—especially important in the event of a manufacturer’s recall.  This is one instance when poor documentation could put your animal in peril. 

Availability for treatment of adverse reactions

Any injection can result in adverse effects.  Maybe it's only mild swelling at the injection site.  Or, it could be lethargy and a slight fever for one to two days.  In some animals, it can be as severe as an immediate outbreak of hives or life-threatening anaphylaxis.  If your veterinarian is there administering the vaccine, he'll know what to do to counteract a reaction—and he'll have the medicine to do it.

When you think about the risks of doing it yourself, it only makes good sense to have a licensed professional administer vaccines.

 Adapted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.