For years I've always done vaccines myself and typicallydo something like this: https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=FE1A8D76-866E-42F3-ADCD-F3D74ED9BFD3

However, I have a horse that seems super sensitive to vaccines. He will get a stiff neck and be a bit mopey for a few days. Someone told me to try to separate out the vaccines and do them individually -- I was just looking at these, and how on earth do you find the right combination of vaccines to do them individually? It seems like they are all a combination of some sort. That and by the time you buy 2, you are already at $50 when the 5-way is only $40.

Has any one else dealt with a horse that gets super sore from vaccines? How do you handle it? Can you prevent it?

I can have my local vet come and administer whatever they think is best considering the scenario, but this has always been one vet bill I try to save on. 

Thanks!

I have one just like that.  And I can't give him a shot every 2 weeks for 4-5 shots. My vet recommended Vetera Gold. I give the 6 way. I also give a dose of banamine at same time and following day. So far it's worked last 3 years! He gets a bit of a fever for a day but no stiffness , knots, etc. all good !

The 3 Equine vaccine manufacturers are: Boeringer Ingelheim (BI), Merck and Zoetis (formerly Fort Dodge). All of them have a different adjuvant they use. And some horses may have a reaction to that adjuvant. So sometimes it's just a matter of changing brands and they won't have a reaction.

However, some horses may also have a reaction to what you're actually vaccinating for (west nile, rabies, EWT, etc) no matter the brand.

Either way ask your vet for a recommendation.

If there's an issue and you've had your vet give the vaccine, report it to them. You're covered by the vaccine manufacturer for costs associated with treatment for a reaction, or if the horse contracts what they've been vaccinated for, up to a certain dollar amount. If you give the vaccines yourself, that coverage doesn't apply.

Thanks all!

My gelding was neck sore for several days the first time we vac. after purchasing him four years ago. Switched to Veterra -- no issues after that.

My mares neck always get stiff and swells. I have given her Dex in the past, and that helped some. However I quit giving annual vaccines. No reason to give vaccines every year to an adult horse that rarely leaves the property.