A quick discussion about Spring Shots and the AAEP Guidelines for Vaccination of Horses

The horse has an excellent immune system, on par with any other species. However, when nose-to-nose with a new pathogen (virus or bacteria), the horse's body has no defenses lined up. Without immunity, the horse will succumb to the full range of symptoms. Routine vaccination should be part of a comprehensive preventative medicine program for all horses. The objectives of vaccination can be listed into three categories:

Disease Prevention

Reducing the severity of disease

Minimizing the extent to which horses can spread the disease

How Vaccines Work

Vaccines give your horse a specific immune response. A specific defense is one that recognizes and promptly destroys the invader. An initial vaccination alerts specific components of the horse's immune system, which leads to a much more rapid and effective response to the second exposure (booster) to the vaccine. After vaccination, the concentration of antibodies "titer" eventually diminishes. Usually this takes 2 to 6 months or longer after several boosters. Boosters are generally given one time per year. However, horses that travel frequently should be boosted more often, for example every 3 months.

Please click on the following link to view for a wonderful chart that outlines the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) vaccination guidelines

http://www.dclahdvm.com/articles/vaccination.htm