Horse Vaccines
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Does my horse need vaccines?
Long story short, YES! But there’s plenty to know about horse vaccines. Vaccinating is an essential part of keeping your horse happy, healthy, and thriving. When given properly and consistently, immunizations help prevent a number of diseases. A vaccination program should be carefully formulated with your veterinarian to ensure broad-spectrum, age-appropriate protection.
Which vaccines will my horse need?
In general, core vaccines for horses include rabies, Western and Eastern encephalomyelitis (WEE and EEE), West Nile virus (WNV), and tetanus. Depending on your horse’s risk factors, including environment, chances of exposure, and other considerations, your vet may recommend vaccinating against rotavirus, botulism, anthrax, Potomac horse fever (PHF), equine viral arteritis, strangles, rhinopneumonitis or herpes virus, and influenza virus. Foals should be placed on a well-thought-out immunization protocol as well. At a minimum, all horses should receive their core vaccinations.
When should I administer each vaccine?
Consult your veterinarian for an individualized immunization schedule. Your vet can tailor a treatment regimen that will keep your horse protected throughout the year and throughout life. However, there are some general guidelines that most horses will fall under.
- Spring (March, April, and May): You’ll want to have your horse vaccinated during these months to prepare for the active mosquito and warm season. Commonly recommended spring vaccines include:
- EEE AND WEE (Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis) vaccines for horses come in many forms. You can opt for a product like Vetera VEWT, Equiloid Innovator, Prestige 3, or Vetera EWT. If you’re in the market for a broad-spectrum, multi-way vaccine, keep reading to get more information about some of the best options.
- WNV (West Nile Virus) vaccines for horses are available as a separate product, such as Prestige WNV, Vetera WNV, or West Nile Innovator. You can choose West Nile Innovator + EWT or + VEWT, or you can opt for a multi-way vaccine to protect against many diseases.r
- Tetanus vaccines for horses are also available separately in the form of a Tetanus Toxoid vaccine. However, the most popular way to vaccinate horses against tetanus is to choose a comprehensive product.
- Rabies vaccines for horses protect your uninfected horse against rabies. Choose Rabvac 3 or, for more comprehensive protection, opt for Equine Potomovac + IMRAB.
- Risk-based vaccines, such as Potomac Horse Fever (PHF), botulism, strangles, and other vaccines may be indicated, depending on your region, the horse’s environment, and other risk factors.
- Summer (June, July, and August): During these months, you’ll want to protect your horse against insects and the diseases they carry. The primary insect-transmitted disease in horses is Potomac Horse Fever. Consult with your vet to assess your horse’s risk and determine which vaccines are needed.
- Fall (September, October, and November): During autumn, it’s time to prepare your horse for the harsh winter months. Horses are typically vaccinated in the fall against respiratory viruses, including:
- Influenza (flu) vaccine options include Fluvac Innovator, or choose a multi-way vaccine for broad-spectrum protection against influenza and other harmful illnesses.
- Herpesvirus (rhinopneumonitis or EHV) protection is included in a number of multi-way vaccines.
- WEE, EEE, and WNV boosters might also be a good preventative measure during the autumn months.
Are multi-way vaccines right for my horse?
When you buy your horse’s vaccines online at Allivet, you’re already getting the best price on top-of-the-line vaccines, medications, supplements, and more. Multi-way vaccines won’t just save money – you’ll also save time, making the immunization process easier on your horse and yourself. Your vet can help you choose from the many high-quality, broad-spectrum options, which include:
- 4-Way Vaccines for Horses:
- Fluvac Innovator 4: Protects against equine flu, tetanus, and Western and Eastern encephalomyelitis.
- Prestige 4: Offers protection from influenza, tetanus, and Western and Eastern encephalomyelitis.
- Vetera EWT + WNV: Protects against tetanus, Western and Eastern encephalomyelitis, and West Nile Virus.
- 5-Way Vaccines for Horses:
- Fluvac Innovator 5: Protects against tetanus, influenza type A2, rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4), and Western and Eastern encephalomyelitis.
- Vetera VEWT + WNV: Offers protection from Venezuelan, Eastern, and Western encephalomyelitis, tetanus, and West Nile Virus.
- Vetera GoldXP: Protects against Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis, influenza type A2, tetanus, and rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4).
- Vetera 5 XP: Provides protection against tetanus, Western and Eastern encephalomyelitis, herpesvirus types 1 and 2, and influenza.
- Fluvac Innovator 6: Protects against rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4), tetanus, influenza type A2, and Venezuelan, Western, and Eastern encephalomyelitis.
- Vetera 6 XP: Offers protection from Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan encephalomyelitis, influenza type A2, tetanus, and rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4).
- 7-Way Vaccines for Horses:
- Vetera GoldXP + VEE: Provides protection against tetanus, Western, Eastern, and Venezuelan encephalomyelitis, West Nile Virus, herpesvirus types 1 and 4, and influenza.