Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a key part of keeping your equine healthy. They protect against serious, often fatal diseases that cannot easily be treated, helping to keep your equine – and the wider equine community – safe.

In the UK, the main vaccines recommended are for Equine Influenza (Flu) and Tetanus. Staying up to date also ensures your equine meets competition and insurance requirements.

Equine influenza

Primary course

  • 1st vaccine: from 5 months of age

  • 2nd vaccine: 21–92 days after the first (required before competition)

  • 3rd vaccine: 150–215 days after the second

Booster Vaccinations
Due to recent flu outbreaks, most horses now require a booster every 6 months rather than annually.

  • Many competition bodies require a flu booster within 6 months of an event – always check the organiser’s rules.

  • Under FEI rules, boosters must be given within 6 months of competition (but not within 7 days before).

  • Racehorses under BHA regulations need boosters every 8 months.

Tetanus

Tetanus vaccination can be given as part of a combined flu–tetanus vaccine or separately.

  • 1st vaccine: from 5 months of age

  • 2nd vaccine: 4–6 weeks later

  • Booster: every 2 years

Tetanus is caused by bacteria in soil and manure – even minor wounds can be fatal if a horse is not protected, so regular vaccination is essential for every horse.

Pregnant mares

To protect both mare and foal, we recommend:

  • Equine herpes virus (EHV): at 5, 7 and 9 months of gestation

  • Rotavirus: at 9, 10 and 11 months of gestation

Need advice?

We are happy to review your horse’s vaccination history and plan a schedule tailored to their lifestyle and competition goals. If you are unsure when your horse’s next booster is due, just get in touch – we will be glad to help.

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