Introduction: In general, it is not practical to suggest one vaccination program that is suitable for all horses. Specific recommendations must be made on an individual basis to apply to the various health problems encountered. Local veterinarians are the best qualified persons to give advice on developing sound vaccination programs.
The following vaccination schedule will list the common disease conditions that can be prevented using vaccination procedures. A general vaccination program is then outlined and should be modified under the direction of a local veterinarian.
Vaccination Schedule:
| Disease/Vaccine | Foals/Weanlings | Broodmares | Performance | Pleasure |
| Tetanus Toxoid | From Vaccinated Mare: 1st Dose: 6 months 2nd Dose: 7 months 3rd Dose: 8-9 months From Non-Vaccinated Mare or High Risk Area: Tetanus anti-toxin at birth
(1500 IU) - With vet supervision |
Once a year or 4-6 weeks before foaling. A shot should also be given if injured and has not received a tetanus shot in the last 6 months. | Once a year or when injured and have not received a tetanus shot in the last 6 months. | Once a year or when injured and have not received a tetanus shot in the last 6 months. |
| Equine Encephalomyelitis; Eastern
(EEE), Western (WEE), and
Venezuelan (VEE)
VEE is usually only given in outbreak situations. It is currently considered an exotic disease in the United States. |
From Vaccinated Mare or Low Risk Area: 1st Dose: 6 months 2nd Dose: 7 months 3rd Dose: 8 months From Non-Vaccinated Mare or High Risk Area: 1st Dose: 3-4 months |
Once, just before mosquito season, or twice a year if long mosquito season. A pregnant mare should receive the second shot 4-6 weeks prior to foaling. | Once, just before mosquito season, or twice a year if long mosquito season. | Once, just before mosquito season, or twice a year if long mosquito season. |
| Rhinopneumonitis or Equine Herpes (EHV-1 and EHV-4) | All Foals, Regardless of Mare's Vaccination History: 1st Dose: 4-6 months 2nd Dose: 5-7 months 3rd Dose: 6-8 months Booster vaccine at 3 month intervals after 3rd dose. |
5th, 7th, and 9th month of pregnancy or twice a year if not bred. (Be sure to use a killed vaccine if pregnant.) | Every 3-4 months | Twice a year |
| Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
Consult with local vet before administering. |
Given to intact colts at 6-12 months of age intended to be breeding stallions. | Annually, 3 weeks before breeding to a carrier stallion. | Annually, for breeding stallions 4 weeks before breeding season. | Annually, for breeding stallions 4 weeks before breeding season. |
| Influenza
Foals should receive three doses initially. Studies indicate that maternal antibodies may interfere with vaccine responses before 6 months of age. |
From Vaccinated Mare in Low Risk Area: 1st Dose: 9 months 2nd Dose: 10 months 3rd Dose: 11-12 months From Non-Vaccinated Mare in High Risk Area: Booster again every 3 months |
Twice a year, with one shot being given 4-6 weeks before foaling. | Every 3-4 months | Twice a year |
| West Nile Virus (WNV) | From Vaccinated Mare: 1st Dose: 3-4
months (in high risk areas) or at 5-7 months (in low risk areas) 2nd Dose:
3-6 weeks after the first dose
From Non-Vaccinated Mare and High Risk Area: 1st Dose: 6-8 weeks 2nd Dose: 3-6 weeks after the first dose |
Annually, just before the mosquito season. Twice a year in high risk areas. | Annually, just before the mosquito season. Twice a year in high risk areas. | Annually, just before the mosquito season. Twice a year in high risk areas. |
| Strangles (Streptococcus equi);
Talk with a veterinarian about the injectable products. |
Give the intranasal product at 6-9 months, with a booster 3 weeks later. In problem areas, it may be necessary to vaccinate at a much earlier age (as early as 6 weeks). | Intranasal products should be given once a year. (Not approved in pregnant mares.) | Intranasal products should be given once a year. | Intranasal products should be given once a year. |
| Potomac Horse Fever
Only given in high risk areas. |
1st Dose: 5-6 months 2nd Dose: 6-7 months |
Twice a year, with one shot being given 4-6 weeks before foaling. | Twice a year | Twice a year |
| Rabies
Only given in high risk areas. |
From Vaccinated Mare: 1st Dose: 6 months 2nd Dose: 7 months 3rd Dose: 12 months From Non-Vaccinated Mare: |
Once a year | Once a year | Once a year |
Many of the above recommendations were taken from the AAEP Guidelines for Vaccination of the Horse. Variations to the above recommendations exist; therefore, it is highly recommended that a local veterinarian be involved in all vaccination decisions.
The influenza, EEE, WEE and tetanus toxoid often come as one 4-way combination vaccine. Because each product can be very different, read the labels on all vaccines. Adults that have not been vaccinated as foals should receive a booster 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccination for most of the above vaccines.