Vaccinations

Vaccines prime the immune system so that an appropriate immune response can be produced should your horse come into contact with the disease. A primary course is required at first, usually 2 or 3 injections spaced apart, followed by regular booster vaccinations. We recommend 24-48 hours of rest following a vaccination. Most competition bodies will not let you compete within 7 days of a vaccination.

As well as providing individual immunity, vaccinating your horse can provide protection for others by limiting spread of the disease.

Several diseases can be prevented by vaccination. The diseases we recommend routinely vaccinating for are:

Influenza

A highly contagious respiratory virus. Most equestrian bodies require up to date influenza vaccination. We recommend following vaccination protocol:

1st vaccine from 6 months of age

1st booster- 21-60 days after the 1st vaccine

2nd booster- 120-180 days after the 1st booster

Annual boosters – MUST be within 365 days

Note that some equestrian bodies such as FEI require a booster within 6months and 21 days of competition.

Vaccinating against flu is highly recommended and is, in fact, mandatory if your horse is going on to any racecourses. The Jockey Club, International Equestrian Federation (FEI), competition bodies (such as BS, BD, BE etc.) and many Show Societies, Riding Clubs and Pony Clubs produce vaccination protocols to follow for equine influenza. These all vary and it is therefore important that you check the requirements for your particular society/body.