There is not a one size fits all vaccination program, it is best practice to consult your herd veterinarian. Follow labeled recommendations for age at vaccination, booster administration, and effects on reproductive performance. Below provides an example outline of diseases to vaccinate for and booster recommendations.
Pre-breeding: should be given 45+ days prior to breeding
- Internal and external parasite control
- IBR, BRSV, BVD, P13, 5-way leptospirosis
- Pink eye (IBK)
- Calf scour prevention (E.coli, rotavirus, coronavirus)
- Ensure adequate nutrition and mineral intake
Pre-weaning: 2-6 weeks prior to weaning
- Internal and external parasite control
- IBR, BRSV, BVD, P13, 5-way leptospirosis
- Pink eye (IBK)
- Clostridial (7 or 8 way)
Weaning:
- Internal and external parasite control
- IBR, BRSV, BVD, P13, 5-way leptospirosis
- Pink eye (IBK)
- Clostridial (7 or 8 way)
There are several different options when selecting vaccinations including modified live, chemically altered, and killed. Regardless of which type of vaccine you are using, it is important to follow the label for booster, storage, and administration recommendations.
Following these labeled recommendations usually include the ideal storage and refrigeration temperature required for the products when not being used. Therefore to ensure quality control of these medications, it may be useful to have a thermometer inside the refrigerator to ensure the correct temperature is maintained. Similarly, when you are processing cattle you should keep the vaccination contents in a cooler of some sort chute side to maintain temperature and avoid wasting vaccines.
Modified Live Vaccines (MLV):
Modified live vaccines contain weakened forms of the disease-causing organism that stimulate immunity by mimicking a natural infection without causing severe illness. These products generally produce a strong and long-lasting immune response compared to other vaccine types. However, they must be handled carefully—most require reconstitution (mixing) just prior to use and should be administered within a short time frame. Only prepare the amount needed for immediate use and properly discard any remaining product. Improper use, particularly in pregnant animals, can increase the risk of reproductive issues such as abortion. Following label directions is essential. A common recommendation is to administer MLV vaccines to replacement heifers after weaning, 45+ days prior to breeding.
Killed Vaccines (KV):
Killed, or inactivated, vaccines contain organisms that have been rendered noninfectious. They are considered very safe for use across a wide range of production situations, including in pregnant animals. However, they typically require an initial series of two doses to achieve adequate immunity, followed by periodic boosters. The protection provided may not last as long as that from modified live vaccines. Because these vaccines rely on adjuvants (substances that stimulate the immune response), injection-site reactions such as swelling or knots may occur. Killed vaccines tend to be more stable than MLVs and, if stored properly according to label directions (generally refrigerated), may allow limited short-term storage after opening.
Chemically Altered Vaccines (CAV):
Chemically altered vaccines are produced by modifying live organisms to reduce their ability to cause disease while still stimulating an immune response. These products are designed to balance safety and effectiveness. In general, the immune response they produce is stronger than killed vaccines but not as robust as that from modified live vaccines. Like killed vaccines, they usually require booster doses to maintain protection.
Consult your local veterinarian and extension agent for more information on vaccine guidelines and building a herd health plan.
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