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Below is an overview of core and non-core vaccines recommended for horses. Your horse’s schedule may vary based on travel, lifestyle, and regional risk.

Core Vaccines

Tetanus

A frequently fatal neurologic disease caused by the neurotoxin of Clostridium tetani.
Recommended: Annually, or sooner if your horse experiences a wound or undergoes surgery.

Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis (EEE/WEE)

Mosquito-borne viral neurologic diseases. EEE is highly fatal, with mortality around 90%.
Recommended: Annually or biannually depending on mosquito prevalence, travel, and season.

Rabies

A rare but fatal viral disease with serious public health concern.
Recommended: Annual booster.

West Nile Virus (WNV)

A mosquito-transmitted neurologic disease. Horses make up nearly 97% of non-human mammalian WNV cases.
Recommended: Twice yearly in high-risk regions.

Non-Core Vaccines

Equine Influenza (Flu) — Competition Horses

A highly contagious respiratory disease, especially in traveling or show horses.
Recommended: Every 4–6 months.

Rhinopneumonitis (Rhino) — Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1/EHV-4)

Causes respiratory illness, abortion, and neurologic forms.
Recommended: Twice yearly or more frequently if warranted.

Potomac Horse Fever

Associated with freshwater exposure or travel to high-risk areas.
Recommended: Annually or biannually for horses near rivers/ponds or those traveling south.

Botulism

Recommended for horses in Florida that are fed large round bales, as decomposing pockets within bales can harbor Clostridium botulinum toxins. Foals are also vulnerable to shaker foal syndrome.
Recommended:

• Adults: Annual booster

• Pregnant mares: Vaccinate in late gestation

• Foals: Begin series at 2–3 months of age