Vaccination of Horses
Most horses are routinely innoculated against Equine Influenza and Tetanus. Current Jockey Club and BHS regulations stipulate that horses should have a primary course of 3 vaccinations, followed by annual boosters. If your horse’s vaccinations become out of date you will need to start the primary course again. If you wish to compete your horse or participate in Pony Club or Riding Club activities, your horse must be vaccinated according to the guide below. Horses or Ponies competing under FEI rules have slightly different rules regarding the 3rd vaccination, and in addition to having annual boosters they must have been vaccinated against Influenza within 6 months (+21 days) of the competition. This means horses competing regularly under FEI rules will require twice yearly boosters.
| BHS / Jockey Club Rules | FEI Rules | |
| 1st Dose | Influenza and tetanus | Influenza and tetanus |
| 2nd Dose | Influenza and tetanus 21 - 92 days later | Influenza and tetanus 21 - 92 days later |
| 3rd Dose | Influenza 150 - 215 days later | Influenza 150 - 215 days later |
| Booster | Within 365 days of previous injection | Within 365 days of previous injection and within 6 months +21 days of FEI competition |
The last vaccination must be administered at least 7 days before competing. Jockey Club/BHS rules allow horses to compete 7 days after the second vaccination of the primary course.
Pregnant mares should be given a booster against Influenza and Tetanus one month before foaling in order to maximise the foal’s protection before his/her vaccination course starts at 5 months of age.
If vaccinating with Tetanus only the protocol is:-
| 1st Dose | |
| 2nd Dose | 4 - 6 weeks later |
| 3rd Dose | 1 year from 2nd |
| Booster | Every 2 years |