💉 Vet Guide: Vaccinations for Your Horse in 2025 | Core vs. Risk-Based Vaccines, Safety, and Seasonal Timing 🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Did you miss spring or summer vaccinations? Don’t worry—**it's not too late** to protect your horse. In fact, horses should be vaccinated **annually**, regardless of the season. What matters most is **staying on schedule** based on risk, not just the calendar. 🧠📅

In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through which **core** and **risk-based vaccines** your horse needs, when to give them, and how to safely vaccinate under different health conditions. 🐴✅

📋 What Are Core Vaccines for Horses?

Core vaccines are **recommended for every horse**, every year—regardless of location, lifestyle, or travel. These are life-saving vaccines that protect against **deadly and often untreatable diseases**. 🛡️

💉 The 4 Core Equine Vaccines:

• 🧠 **Eastern/Western Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)**
• 🦟 **West Nile Virus**
• 🧬 **Tetanus**
• 🦇 **Rabies**

These diseases **do not require horse-to-horse contact**. Even if your horse lives alone on 1,000 acres, core vaccines are essential. 🏞️

🦟 Why Core Vaccines Matter—Even for Isolated Horses

• 🦟 Encephalitis & West Nile: Spread by mosquitoes, not horses
• 🦇 Rabies: Transmitted from wild animals like skunks or raccoons
• 🔩 Tetanus: Enters through wounds, like stepping on a nail

These are real threats to **every horse**, every year. Skipping core vaccines leaves your horse vulnerable to **life-threatening illness**. ⚠️

🌬️ Risk-Based Vaccines: For Horses That Travel or Socialize

If your horse is exposed to **other horses**, lives in a boarding facility, or travels for events, additional vaccines are strongly recommended. 🛻🐎

Risk-Based Vaccines Include:

• 🌬️ **Equine Influenza Virus (EIV)**
• 🧬 **Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1/4)**
• 🦠 **Strangles (Streptococcus equi)**

When Are These Needed?

• 📍 Hauling to shows, clinics, or trail rides
• 🏠 Boarding at a stable with incoming horses
• 🌬️ Turnout with neighboring horses across the fence
• 🐴 Equipment sharing (brushes, halters, twitches)

Respiratory viruses are **highly contagious**, and indirect contact (like sharing tools) is enough to spread infection. 🧼

🧠 Is Overvaccination a Concern?

According to Dr. Elizabeth Davis at Kansas State University, there is **no scientific evidence of vaccine overload** in horses. In fact, **under-vaccination is a far greater risk**. 📈

Most horses tolerate modern vaccines well—especially when administered by a vet with knowledge of the horse’s health history. ✅

⛑️ When *Not* to Vaccinate

While vaccines are important, never vaccinate a horse that is currently sick, injured, or showing signs of fever. 🧪

Check with your veterinarian if your horse has:

• 🌡️ Fever or abnormal temperature
• 🤒 Respiratory symptoms (coughing, nasal discharge)
• 🩺 Recent colic or metabolic episode

It’s always better to **wait until the horse is stable**. 📋🧠

📅 It’s Never Too Late in the Year to Vaccinate

Even if it’s fall or winter, your horse may still benefit from vaccines. West Nile season can extend into autumn in warm climates, and respiratory outbreaks happen year-round. 🕒

Talk to your vet about:

• 📍 Your region’s mosquito season
• 📆 Time since last vaccines
• 🧬 Current exposure risks

📲 Use Ask A Vet to Stay Vaccine-Compliant

The Ask A Vet app can help you manage your horse’s health, even if you’re behind on shots:

• 📅 Get custom vaccine schedules and reminders
• 📋 Ask about side effects, boosters, and risks
• 🧠 Chat with a vet if your horse is sick or overdue
• 📱 Upload records for show compliance or planning

Better late than never—make 2025 your most protected year yet. 🐴📲

✅ Equine Vaccination Takeaways for 2025

• 💉 Core vaccines: Encephalitis, West Nile, Tetanus, Rabies
• 🌬️ Risk-based: Influenza, Herpes, Strangles (if exposed)
• 📆 Annual vaccination is essential—even for isolated horses
• ⚠️ Never vaccinate a sick or unstable horse
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet to plan, track, and troubleshoot vaccines

📲 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Vaccines are your horse’s **first line of defense** against fatal and contagious disease. If you missed spring vaccines, it’s not too late to catch up and prevent serious illness. Work with your vet, stay on schedule, and prioritize immune protection—your horse’s life could depend on it. 🧠💙

Download the Ask A Vet app to manage vaccine schedules, get expert advice, and keep your horse healthy all year in 2025. 🐎📱