Vaccinations are very important for keeping horses healthy. They help the horse's immune system fight off diseases before it gets sick. Your vet can tell you which vaccines your horse needs based on where you live and on your horse's situation.
Core Vaccines Recommended for Horses
Disease | Description | Vaccination Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Core vaccines | ||
Tetanus | A bacterial infection that causes muscle tightening | First at 6 months, then two more, at intervals of 3–6 weeks; yearly booster |
Encephalomyelitis | Viral infections from mosquitoes that affect the nervous system | Same schedule as for tetanus |
Equine viral rhinopneumonitis | A contagious viral respiratory infection | Same initial schedule as for tetanus; booster every 6 months |
Influenza | A contagious viral respiratory infection | First at 6–9 months, then at 11 months; booster every 6–12 months |
Rabies | A deadly viral disease | First at 6 months, then two more, at 7 months and 1 year; yearly booster |
West Nile virus | A viral infection from mosquitoes | First at 3–4 months, then 1 month later; booster every 4–6 months |
Other vaccines, important in certain geographical regions | ||
Potomac horse fever | A bacterial disease that causes fever, decreased activity, diarrhea, and occasionally colic or laminitis (founder); vaccination recommended in areas where disease is common | First at 5–6 months, then 4 weeks later; booster at 12 months and yearly after that |
Rotavirus | A viral diarrheal disease; vaccination usually restricted to farms with a recurring problem | Pregnant mares receive a three-dose series of vaccinations before foaling; foals are protected through colostrum (first milk they receive in nursing from the mare) |
Strangles | A bacterial infection of the throat; vaccination usually restricted to farms with a recurring problem | First at 4–6 months, then two more, at 4-week intervals; booster at 12 months and yearly after that |
Foals (young horses) born to vaccinated mothers usually have protection from diseases for up to 6 months if they drink the mare's colostrum (their mother’s milk right after birth).
Vaccinations should be given by a vet or another trained person. Mild muscle soreness, occasional fever, and signs of feeling slightly sick (quiet, low appetite) for 1–2 days are common side effects after vaccination in many horses and are considered normal.
