Top tips for using vaccines

1 Understand most vaccines are based around a specific agent or pathogen. Knowing what pathogens your animals are at risk of and what agents are potentially on your farm allows better selection of vaccines.

An example of this is lambs being turned out to grass are at risk of clostridial diseases, so they often receive clostridial vaccines at this time.

2 Most vaccines need to be given on their own. Two weeks is a good amount of time to wait between different vaccines.

Some can be given together, but always talk to your own vet about timing of vaccinations for your farm.

Two vaccines which can be given together are BVD and leptospirosis.

3 Different animals may have different responses to vaccines. The vaccines should never be seen as silver bullets.

This can be true for all vaccines; just because animals receive a pneumonia vaccine doesn’t mean they can’t get pneumonia.

4 Vaccines for the most part are best given before the risk period to allow the build-up of immunity against the pathogen being vaccinated against.

For weanlings, the risk is around weaning time and housing for pneumonia. By vaccinating those animals six to eight weeks before this, we allow the vaccine to boost immunity before the key risk period.

5 Correct administration is critical with vaccines. Carefully read the label and follow directions, dosage and route.

Intranasal vaccines must be given down the nose by mist or a spray to allow as much contact with vaccine and tissue.

6 Correct storage is also very important, with most vaccines requiring refrigeration, avoiding being frozen or prolonged heat.

When intranasal vaccines are frozen, they can often become inactive.

7 When vaccinating a group, it is always good to ensure every animal receives a vaccine.

When using a BVD vaccine in cows, we need to vaccinate every animal, because every animal can be at risk.

8 When vaccines are used correctly, there can be a significant cost benefit to their use.

Vaccination can save you money. Where salmonella is a risk in your herd, vaccination is a worthwhile insurance policy for cows and calves.

9 Live vaccines require very specific handling storage and will only be active for short periods after being reconstituted.

Never disinfect automatic live vaccine guns, as you may also kill the vaccine. Always wash out with hot water only.

10 Use vaccine calendars to help as timely reminders around specific dosing and timing of vaccinations.

This can be done with your vet writing down timing, route and vaccines. Put this wall chart on your office wall.

11 Vaccines are a cost and should never be purchased from people who can’t give you accurate information about timing and why you’re using them.