Vaccinations - timings query and reactions

[mizzbiz]

Hi guys

I bought my horse in July 2013 and only just thought 'when is he due?'. Upon checking his passport it says flu 12/11/12 and the note says vacc reaction 13/11/12. Also there was only a six month interval in 2011 whereas the rest of the time it has been annual.

From this I have three questions...
Why was there only a 6 month interval in 2011? (He was with same owner 6 years)
What could this vacc reaction be? ie. has anyone had experience of reactions to the vacc and should i worry about it happening again now its occurred once.
Should I be rushing to get the vet out to get him up to date now?

TIA

 

[Izzwizz]

The interval could be to do with if the vaccinations had lapsed and they had to be re-started, the 3rd flu n tet is 6 months after the second injection. They are then usually annual boosters.

The reaction can be quite normal, lethargic, stiff neck, high temp as the vaccines differ from year to year. A horse on my yard sometimes has a reaction and usually has bute for a couple of days afterwards. Its a bit like us having a reaction to the flu jab, makes us feel a bit ill sometimes. It can happen again but its usually to do with the different batches.

Can you speak to the previous owner about the vaccination history? Failing that speak to your Vet, you may have to re-start and you will be able to discuss any reaction worries.

 

[Britestar]

If you didn't have him vaccinated in November last year he has now lapsed so would need to start again.
The 6 month interval may have been due to him attending an fei regulated show? They demand vaccination at 6 monthly intervals.
Reactions can be off colour, stiff necks etc. Or something more drastic like an abcess. Maybe contract the previous owner to ask.