Free Tool · Designed by Dr. Louise Cosgrove BVSc
Horse Vaccination
Schedule Builder
Get a personalised annual vaccination schedule for your horse based on age, location, use, and risk factors. Covers Hendra, tetanus, strangles, equine influenza and more. Results emailed instantly.
Educational Purposes Only: This tool provides general vaccination guidance. Always consult your local equine veterinarian before implementing any vaccination program. The Hendra vaccine must be administered by a registered veterinarian.
1Your Horse
2Location & Use
3History
4Your Details
✓Your Schedule
Tell us about your horse
We'll tailor the vaccination schedule to your horse's age and type.
Location & use
This determines which vaccines are most important for your horse.
Vaccination history
This determines whether your horse needs a primary course or just boosters.
Get your schedule by email
We'll email your personalised vaccination schedule with reminders.
Your Vaccination Schedule
Your personalised schedule has been emailed to you. Here is a summary:
⚠️ Educational Purposes Only: This schedule is provided for general guidance only. The Hendra virus vaccine (Equivac HeV) must be administered by a registered veterinarian. Always consult your local equine veterinarian before implementing any vaccination program.
Equine Vaccination in Australia — A Complete Guide
Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective preventive health measures available to horse owners. A well-designed vaccination program protects your horse from serious, often fatal infectious diseases, protects other horses in your herd and at events, and in the case of Hendra virus, protects you and your family.
🦇 Hendra Virus — Critical for Queensland & NSW Horse Owners: Hendra virus is carried by flying foxes and can be transmitted to horses through contact with bat secretions. Infected horses can then transmit the virus to humans. With a human fatality rate of approximately 57%, Hendra is one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases in Australia. Vaccination of horses is the primary strategy for protecting both horses and their human handlers. The Hendra vaccine (Equivac HeV) must be administered by a registered veterinarian.
Core Vaccines for Australian Horses
⚠️
Hendra Virus (Equivac HeV)
Core — Queensland & NSW · Must be administered by a vet
Primary course: 2 injections 3–6 weeks apart, then booster at 6 months, then annually. Horses overdue by more than 12 months must restart the primary course. The only licensed Hendra vaccine in Australia.
💉
Tetanus (Clostridium tetani)
Core — All horses · Annual booster
Tetanus is universally recommended for all horses. Primary course: 2 injections 4–6 weeks apart, then annual boosters. Horses with wounds or undergoing surgery should receive a tetanus toxoid booster if not vaccinated within 6 months.
🔬
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Recommended — High contact / competition horses
Primary course: 3 doses two weeks apart, then 6 monthly boosters for optimum protection. Do not vaccinate horses currently showing signs of strangles or in contact with infected horses.
Vaccination Schedule by Life Stage
| Life Stage | Tetanus | Hendra (QLD/NSW) | Strangles | EHV-1/4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foal — 0–3 Months | Antitoxin only if injured (lacerations or hoof damage). Toxoid from 3 months. | Not yet — from 4 months | Not yet — from 3 months | From 3 months |
| Foal — 3–6 Months | Primary course: 2 injections 4–6 weeks apart, then annual boosters | From 4 months: 2 injections 3–6 weeks apart, booster at 6 months, then annually | 3 doses 2 weeks apart, then 6 monthly boosters | Primary course: 2 injections 4–6 weeks apart, then 6-monthly |
| Adult (never vaccinated) | Primary course now | Primary course now | Primary course now | Primary course now |
| Adult (up to date) | Annual booster | Annual booster | 6 monthly booster | 6 monthly booster |
| Pregnant mare | 4–6 weeks before foaling | Maintain annual schedule | Avoid in last trimester | Vaccinate at 5, 7 and 9 months gestation |
Tip for Competition Horses: Many equestrian events require proof of current vaccination. Keep a vaccination record book and ensure your horse's Hendra vaccination is current before entering events. Some events require vaccination within specific timeframes — check event rules carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Vaccination
Answers to the most common questions Australian horse owners ask about equine vaccination.
What vaccinations does my horse need in Queensland?
In Queensland, the core vaccinations recommended for horses are: (1) Hendra virus — strongly recommended for all horses in QLD and NSW; (2) Tetanus — core vaccine for all horses; (3) Strangles — recommended for horses with exposure risk; (4) Equine influenza — required for horses competing or travelling; (5) Equine herpesvirus — recommended for breeding mares. Always consult your equine vet for a personalised protocol.
How often does a horse need a Hendra vaccine?
The Hendra virus vaccine (Equivac HeV) requires a primary course of 2 injections 3–6 weeks apart, followed by a booster at 6 months, then annual boosters. Horses that are more than 12 months overdue for their booster must restart the primary course. Hendra vaccination is strongly recommended for all horses in Queensland and northern NSW.
Can I vaccinate my own horse?
In Australia, the Hendra virus vaccine (Equivac HeV) can only be administered by a registered veterinarian. Other vaccines such as tetanus and strangles may be administered by horse owners in some states, but veterinary administration is recommended to ensure correct technique, cold chain management, and documentation.
When should I start vaccinating a foal?
Foal vaccination timing depends on the mare's vaccination status. Foals from vaccinated mares have maternal antibody protection for the first 3–6 months of life. The standard protocol is: tetanus at 3–4 months, Hendra at 4 months, strangles at 3 months (intranasal), equine influenza at 6 months. Always consult your equine vet for a foal-specific protocol.
What is Hendra virus and why is it dangerous?
Hendra virus is a paramyxovirus carried by flying foxes in eastern Australia. Horses can become infected through contact with bat urine, faeces, or birthing products. Infected horses can then transmit the virus to humans through close contact. Hendra virus is fatal in approximately 57% of human cases and 70–80% of horse cases. There is no treatment. Vaccination of horses is the primary strategy for protecting both horses and their human handlers.
Want to be ready for any horse emergency?
The DIY Horse Vet course by Dr. Louise covers colic, wounds, foaling emergencies, eye injuries and more — giving you the knowledge to act confidently before the vet arrives.
Explore the DIY Horse Vet Course →