It comes as no surprise that caring for horses is expensive – and one of the most expensive parts are visits from the veterinarians.  Many people try to keep the cost of vet visits and services down by organizing “shot clinics” (all participants split the cost of the barn call cost) or even doing most of the vaccinations themselves.  You can buy many of the vaccines online, but it may be more beneficial in the long run to pay the fees and let your vet vaccinate your horse.

First of all, work with your veterinarian to develop a proper vaccination schedule for your horse.  For most vaccines, the horse’s immunity to disease will gradually decrease over time so boosters are usually recommended annually. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the horse’s physical condition and determine a proper care plan for overall wellness, including a timely vaccination schedule

Proper storage of vaccines is one of the most critical aspects in assuring they will provide the desired disease protection. The label recommendations for storage of vaccines read as follows:  Store in dark at 35 to 45 F.  Avoid freezing.  Shake well to assure uniform suspension of the vaccine prior to administration. Lack of adherence to the label directions can result in lack of vaccine effectiveness, vaccine failure and an increased rate of local reactions after vaccine administration.

Damage to the vaccine is most often due to exposure to heat, light or freezing. Common causes include a faulty refrigerator that is either not cool enough or is too cold and freezes the vaccine, or the vaccine being left at room temperature for an extended period of time.

Your veterinarian will be familiar with these risks and recommendations and have a system in place to ensure the vaccine is stored properly and delivered undamaged.

With the exception of intranasal influenza and strangles vaccines, most vaccines should be administered deep in the muscle. Subcutaneous administration (just under the skin) can decrease their effectiveness and the horse’s response.

In the case of live, attenuated vaccines, their use concurrently with antibiotics, chemical sterilization or reuse of syringes, as well as excessive use of alcohol on the skin, can decrease their effectiveness.

Veterinarians are well-versed in proper administration techniques and possess the knowledge of any potential contraindications.

Malnourished horses or those with an extreme case of parasites may not have a good immune response when vaccinated. Stress, including extreme cold or heat, can also decrease a horse’s response to vaccination. In addition, geriatric horses, especially those suffering from Cushing’s Disease, may have a decreased ability to respond to vaccination. Vaccines are safest and most effective when administered by your veterinarian. Your horse’s vaccination schedule should be tailored specifically to its needs and location, so ask your veterinarian to help you develop a vaccination program to best fit your horse.