Vaccines?

[NewHorseMom]

My horse is kept at a private facility with 3 other horses. What shots should I be getting him and how often? Some people say don't bother with shots and others say I definately should be getting them. Like myself, I don't want to put anything into my horse's body that he doesn't need. What should I do, should I be worried about west nile?

[horse99]

My horse is at a big boarding barn and gets shots twice a year. In the fall he gets flu/rhino/tetanus and now strangles because that has been going around. In the spring he gets flu/rhino/ and West Nile. They say you should do the flu/rhino twice a year and tetanus once a year. If you don't choose to do the flu shots, then I would at least do the tetanus because it's so easy for them to get scraped, have a wound, step on a nail etc. Once they have it it is very hard to treat, they often die. The only way to prevent is through vaccine so better to be safe...

[striderrider]

I also get my horse vaccinated for E/W encephalitus. That is a bad one if they get it they often die. I don't bother with strangles, and I would say you should do west nile if there have been cases in your area. Best bet is talk to your vet. I have heard of horses getting adverse reactions to certain vaccines but I think they are just like people that way. Some people react badly to certain things and so will some horses. Chances are your horse will be fine.

I agree though that tetanus is a must.

[FEIJuniorBound]

If you are going to do vaccines, the ones to do are flu and tetanus. West Nile I would only bother with if there are outbreaks in your area, and same with strangles.