Vaccines allow the horse’s immune system to get a head start in the fight against certain diseases. They expose the horse to inactivated versions of disease-causing organisms and allow the body to develop stronger natural defense systems.
What can vaccines not do? Vaccines cannot guarantee 100% protection from disease, and they cannot provide their best protection if they are not given at appropriate intervals. Vaccines also cannot provide equal protection to all horses because each horse’s immune system is different.
How are vaccination programs developed? The frequency with which horses are vaccinated depends on their risk of encountering a large number of the disease-causing organisms. With regards to many respiratory tract diseases risk is increased, for most horses, in areas where they congregate (shows, trail rides, etc.) For other diseases, such as encephalomyelitis (“sleeping sickness”) or tetanus, all horses in a given area are basically at equal risk. It is important to note however that the vaccines should optimally be given when the immunity is most needed and the risk is the highest. This would be the case with diseases carried by insects. West Nile, Potomac Horse Fever, and Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis are examples of vaccines that should be given in the spring.
What program does your horse need? That depends on several factors. What do you do with your horse? Does your horse travel to shows, events, or trail rides? How old is your horse? For a recommended vaccination program click here.
Should your foal be on the same vaccination program as your adult horses? Not exactly. Your foal will likely receive similar vaccines as your adult horses, but since they have not been vaccinated previously, they generally need at least two doses of each type of vaccine to develop the optimal response to the vaccine. Please ask your veterinarian about the age at which your foal needs to begin vaccination programs. After an initial period of vaccinations and follow up boosters your foal with join the rest of the heard in their normal schedule.
What can vaccines do for your horse?