How often does a horse need to be vaccinated against influenza?

The base series consists of 3 vaccinations: the 2nd vaccination 21–60 days after the 1st, and the 3rd vaccination within 201 days of the 2nd (FEI/new schedule). After that, an annual booster is required. For FEI competitions, the last vaccination must not be more than 201 days ago.

From what age can a foal be vaccinated?

For influenza and tetanus, a foal can be vaccinated from 6 months of age. The minimum age for EHV (rhinopneumonia) is 5 months, and for strangles 4 months.

How often does a horse need to be vaccinated against EHV (rhinopneumonia)?

The EHV base series consists of 2 vaccinations 28–42 days apart. After that, a booster is needed every 6 months (182 days). Pregnant mares are vaccinated at 5, 7 and 9 months of gestation.

How often does a horse need to be vaccinated against strangles?

The strangles base series consists of 2 vaccinations 28 days apart. The booster frequency depends on risk: every 6 months (182 days) for low risk, every 3 months (90 days) for high risk.

How long after a vaccination can a horse not compete?

After an influenza or tetanus vaccination, a horse may not compete in KNHS or FEI events for 7 days. For trotters (Dravers NL), a ban of 4 days applies after vaccination, including between base vaccinations.

Horse vaccinations — complete overview

Overview of all common horse vaccinations in the Netherlands: schedules, intervals, and specifics for foals, pregnant mares and competition horses.

Influenza (equine flu)

Required for competition

Mandatory for KNHS and FEI competitions

Base series	3 vaccinations
1st → 2nd shot	21–60 days (FEI/new schedule from Apr 2024); 21–92 days (old schedule)
2nd → 3rd shot	Within 201 days (FEI/new); within 210 days (old)
Annual booster	Within 365 days of the previous vaccination
FEI competition	Last vaccination not more than 201 days ago
Competition ban	No starts within 7 days after vaccination
Foals	Start from 6 months of age
Pregnant mare	Vaccinate in the last 4 months of gestation

Tetanus

Strongly recommended

Almost always combined with influenza

Base series	Combined with influenza
Booster	Combined with the annual influenza booster
Foals	Start from 6 months (together with influenza)
Notes	No separate checker needed — follows the influenza schedule

EHV — Rhinopneumonia (Equine Herpesvirus)

Required trotters

Mandatory for trotters, recommended for sport horses

Base series	2 vaccinations
1st → 2nd shot	28–42 days
Booster	Every 6 months (182 days)
Foals	Start from 5 months of age
Pregnant mare	Vaccinate at 5, 7 and 9 months of gestation (not before 5 months)
Dravers NL	Mandatory alongside influenza; booster within 180 days of 2nd base shot

Strangles

Risk-dependent

Depends on risk and stable situation

Base series	2 vaccinations
1st → 2nd shot	28 days
Low risk	Booster every 6 months (182 days)
High risk	Booster every 3 months (90 days)
Foals	Start from 4 months of age
Pregnant mare	Same schedule as non-pregnant

West Nile Virus

Optional

Relevant in endemic areas

Base series	2 vaccinations
1st → 2nd shot	21–42 days
Booster	Annual (365 days)
Notes	Recommended in areas with confirmed spread; consult your vet

Dravers NL — stricter rules

Dravers NL uses stricter intervals than KNHS/FEI

Base series	2 vaccinations within 21–60 days
1st booster	120–180 days after 2nd base vaccination
Ongoing	Every 6–12 months (180–365 days)
Competition ban	No starts within 4 days after vaccination (including between base shots)
EHV mandatory	In addition to influenza, rhinopneumonia is mandatory for trotters

Check whether your horse is ready to compete

Use the free Vaccination Checker to instantly see whether your horse's influenza vaccinations comply with KNHS and FEI rules.

Go to the Vaccination Checker

Frequently asked questions

Can my horse compete immediately after a vaccination?: No. After an influenza or tetanus vaccination, a competition ban of 7 days applies (KNHS and FEI). For trotters (Dravers NL) that is 4 days, also valid between base vaccinations.
What is the difference between the new and old influenza schedule?: The new schedule (FEI/KNHS, started from April 2024 or for horses born from 1 Jan 2022) uses shorter intervals: max 60 days between the 1st and 2nd vaccination, and max 201 days between the 2nd and 3rd. The old schedule had 92 and 210 days respectively.
When should a pregnant mare be vaccinated?: For influenza and tetanus: in the last 4 months of gestation. For EHV: at 5, 7 and 9 months of gestation. For strangles: same schedule as normal.
Are all vaccinations mandatory?: Influenza (and tetanus) is mandatory for KNHS and FEI competitions. EHV is mandatory for trotters. Strangles and West Nile are optional but strongly recommended depending on risk and environment.

This information is based on current KNHS, FEI and Dravers NL regulations and veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for personal advice.