Horse Vaccination Schedule: A Complete Guide for Owners (2026)
Horse health · 7 min read · · MyHorseBase team
Core and risk-based equine vaccines, recommended intervals, and a printable schedule. Covers tetanus, flu, EHV, West Nile, rabies, and strangles.
Vaccines are the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy for a horse. Tetanus costs €15 to prevent and €3,000+ to treat (when treatment works — fatality rates exceed 75%). This guide covers the standard vaccines every horse should be on, plus the risk-based ones that depend on where and how your horse lives.
Core vaccines — every horse, every year
The AAEP defines 'core' vaccines as those protecting against diseases that are endemic, highly fatal, or pose a public health risk. Five vaccines fall into this category:
| Vaccine | Initial series | Booster interval |
|---|---|---|
| Tetanus | 2 doses 4–6 weeks apart | Annual (or after deep wound) |
| Eastern/Western Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE) | 2 doses 4–6 weeks apart | Annual, spring |
| West Nile Virus | 2 doses 4–6 weeks apart | Annual, spring |
| Rabies | 1 dose | Annual |
| Equine Influenza (in EU and FEI-competing horses) | 2 doses 4–6 weeks apart, 3rd at 6 months | Every 6 months for competing horses, annual otherwise |
Risk-based vaccines
These depend on your horse's exposure profile. Discuss each with your vet.
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1/EHV-4)
Recommended for any horse that travels, competes, or lives at a barn with horses that do. Boosters every 6 months. Pregnant mares get a specific schedule at months 5, 7, and 9 of gestation.
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Recommended for horses in high-turnover environments (boarding yards, training barns, sales facilities). Intranasal vaccine, annual booster. Not given to horses with recent strangles exposure.
Botulism
Recommended in regions with confirmed cases, and for horses fed haylage or round bales. Annual booster after initial series.
Rotavirus (broodmares)
Given at months 8, 9, and 10 of gestation to protect foals from rotaviral diarrhoea.
A typical annual schedule
Most adult horses follow a rhythm like this, with one big spring visit and one smaller autumn booster:
| Month | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| February–March | Tetanus, EEE/WEE, West Nile, Rabies, Flu, EHV (spring booster) |
| August–September | Flu, EHV (autumn booster) |
| As needed | Strangles (annual), Botulism (annual), tetanus booster after wounds |
Foal vaccination schedule
Foals from vaccinated mares carry maternal antibodies for 4–6 months, so the primary series starts at 4–6 months and is given as three doses 4 weeks apart. The exact timing depends on the mare's vaccination status and your vet's protocol.
Sport horse and FEI requirements
FEI rules require equine influenza vaccination with a 6-month + 21-day interval, and the last vaccine must be given at least 7 days before competition. Many national federations have their own additional requirements. Always check the current rules of the federation you compete under.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the second dose of the primary series — a single dose offers only weak protection
- Letting boosters lapse: if you miss a booster by more than a few months, you may need to restart the primary series
- Vaccinating a stressed, sick, or recently transported horse: wait until they're settled
- Not recording lot numbers — important if there's a vaccine reaction or recall
Keeping records
Every dose should be logged with date, vaccine name, manufacturer, lot number, and the vet/admin who gave it. Sport horses, sales horses, and horses that cross borders need this in writing — a phone-app log or a stable management tool beats a forgotten paper folder.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I vaccinate my horse?
Core vaccines (tetanus, EEE/WEE, West Nile, rabies) are given annually. Flu and EHV are typically every 6 months for sport horses and annually for others. Risk-based vaccines (strangles, botulism) follow their own schedules — discuss with your vet.
Can I give horse vaccines myself?
In many EU countries it's legal for owners to administer certain vaccines, but rules vary. Even where legal, having a vet administer them ensures proper handling, valid documentation for competitions and sales, and reaction management.
What if I missed a vaccine booster?
If you're more than a few months late, your vet may recommend restarting the two-dose primary series rather than just giving a single booster. Antibody levels drop and a single late dose often isn't enough to restore full protection.