Horse Vaccinations
- Loz
- May 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 18
A Complete Guide to Timing, Frequency, Administration, and Reminders
Keeping your horse healthy is a top priority for every owner, and vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding against preventable diseases. This blog post covers the essentials of horse vaccinations in Australia, including the best times for administration, recommended schedules, a step-by-step guide on giving injections, and practical tips for remembering when they’re due.
Why Vaccinate Your Horse?
Vaccinations help protect horses from serious diseases such as tetanus, strangles, equine influenza, and Hendra virus. Regular vaccination not only keeps individual horses safe but also helps prevent outbreaks in the wider equine community.
When Is the Best Time to Vaccinate?
While horses can be vaccinated at any time of year, the best timing often depends on your horse’s age, risk of exposure, and local disease outbreaks. Generally, it is recommended to vaccinate in the autumn or just before periods of higher risk (such as before travelling, competitions, or breeding season).
For foals, the first vaccinations usually begin at 12 weeks of age, followed by booster shots as recommended by your vet. Adult horses on a maintenance schedule should ideally be vaccinated annually, but some vaccines (like equine influenza) may require boosters every 6 months, especially if the horse travels or competes frequently.
Another point to consider is that on the day you vaccinate your horse, it may be best to avoid exercising them. The following day, only light exercise is recommended. Consider how you feel when you exercise after receiving an injection, with your arm feeling heavy and sore, and experiencing lethargy in the days afterward. Horses experience similar sensations, so let's be considerate to them as well!
How Often Should Horses Be Vaccinated?
Tetanus: Every 1–3 years after the initial series, depending on the vaccine used.
Strangles: Annually, or more often in high-risk environments.
Equine Influenza: Every 6–12 months, particularly for competing or travelling horses.
Hendra Virus: Every 6 months, especially in high-risk regions like Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Always consult your vet, as recommendations can vary based on your location and your horse’s specific risk factors.
Where to get your Vaccination
As most vaccinations require refrigeration, you are best to obtain from a local equine store (such as Horseland, EQ Saddlery etc.) or your vet. Ensure you store it in a fridge until you need to administer the vaccination. Don't leave it in a car or outside as this will kill the vaccination rendering it useless.
Step-by-Step Guide to Administering an Injection
Consult Your Vet: Before administering any vaccine, ensure you’ve been properly instructed by your veterinarian.
Prepare the Equipment: Use a sterile syringe and needle. Double-check the vaccine’s expiry date and instructions.
Restrain (Not Tie) the Horse Safely: Have someone assist if needed. Use a halter and lead rope to keep the horse calm and steady (best not to have the horse tied up, in case the horse reacts; Gentle loop, not coil/wrap, the rope over your elbow/forearm).
Select the Injection Site: Most vaccines are given intra-muscularly, typically in the neck muscle. Locate the safe injection triangle (bounded by the nuchal ligament, the shoulder blade, and the cervical vertebrae).
Clean the Area: Swab the injection site with an alcohol wipe.
Insert the Needle: Hold the needle at a 90-degree angle to the muscle, allow the needle to touch the point of insertion site on the fur/skin, wait for your horse to settle. Then insert the needle, quickly and smoothly.
Aspirate: Pull back the plunger slightly. If you see blood, withdraw and try a new site. If not, proceed to the next step.
Administer the Vaccine: Inject the contents steadily.
Remove the Needle: Withdraw it smoothly and dispose of it safely in a sharps container.
Stroke the area: Gently rub, pat the horse where the injection was just completed. This is the horse's version of receiving a lolly pop! You may see some blood, that is OK. You can either let it dry or clean it off with saline or a baby wipe or alcohol wipe.
Monitor Your Horse: Watch for any signs of an allergic reaction or swelling at the injection site (please contact your vet, if this occurs, to obtain advice).
Setting Reminders for Vaccinations
Remembering when your horse’s next jab is due can be tricky, especially if you have more than one horse. Here are a few Aussie-friendly tips:
Use a Physical Calendar: Mark vaccination dates on a wall calendar or whiteboard in your tack room or stable office.
Set Digital/Phone Reminders: Use your smartphone’s calendar or reminder app to set alerts for upcoming vaccinations (that repeats annually when they are due - set the alert to a week before so you can pick up the vaccination required).
Try an App: Apps like Equus Note or HorseNotes can track vaccination schedules, worming, farrier visits, and more.
Create a Spreadsheet: Keep a simple record in Excel or Google Sheets with vaccination dates and next due dates.
Ask Your Vet: Many clinics send reminder texts or emails when your horse is due for a booster—just ask to be added to their system (this can be tricky if the region uses numerous vets as their databases/systems are generally not linked).
Final Thoughts
Vaccinating your horse is a key part of responsible ownership. By following a regular schedule, staying organised with reminders, and working closely with your vet, you’ll help keep your horse healthy and happy for years to come. If you have any doubts or questions about the best vaccination plan for your horse, don’t hesitate to contact your local vet for advice.
Recommendation
Attend one of KS Equestrian's amazingly helpful, practical and insightful Equine First Aid Courses. She travels the regions regularly, so check it out here.
How confident are you at giving your horse their vaccination?
Yep, smashing it in life
I think I'm doing OK
I don't really know what I am doing, but I'll give it a go
I am too chicken **** to be anywhere near a needle!
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