Pfizer Animal Health Section: 18(a)(ii) Immunotherapy - Vaccines and antisera - Horses IVS revision date: 01 AUG 2007 Revised Dosage and Administration this edition Registered Name Equivac 2 in 1 Vaccine Composition A purified adjuvanted vaccine containing the formalinised toxin of Clostridium tetani and a sterile, cell free extract of Streptococcus equi. The adjuvant which is an aluminium salt increases the level and duration of the immunity afforded by the vaccine. Actions Following administration of a primary 3 dose course, circulating antibodies reach their maximum level about 2 weeks after the last dose. Indications Prevention of tetanus and control of strangles due to Streptococcus equi in horses. (For control only; no value in the treatment of strangles.) Precautions Localised swelling may occasionally develop at the injection site. On rare occasions systemic signs have been observed following vaccination against strangles. This appears to occur when horses have been sensitised to Streptococcus equi by exposure to infection, or when they are incubating the disease. Horses which show an abnormally severe reaction following vaccination should not receive further doses of vaccine containing a strangles component for 12 months. Tetanus immunisation should be completed with Equivac T. Local reactions are more evident if the vaccine is injected subcutaneously. Provided the injection has been carried out aseptically, any swelling which occurs at the site of inoculation should resolve spontaneously. There may be settling of the adjuvant after storage but the material is easily resuspended by inversion of the syringe. Safety directions. Repeated exposure may cause allergic disorders. Wash hands after use. Disposal. Dispose of syringes and needles by immediately placing into a designated and appropriately labelled sharps container. Withholding Periods Nil. Dosage and Administration The most convenient site for injection is the centre of the side of the neck. Clip the hair and treat the skin with a suitable disinfectant. Inject the vaccine intramuscularly. Each dose comprises 1 mL of vaccine. Primary immunisation. Horses of 3 months of age or older should be given three doses of vaccine, with an interval of not less than 2 weeks between each dose. Booster doses. A booster dose of Equivac 2 in 1 or Equivac T should be given 1 year after the primary immunisation course to ensure long lasting immunity against tetanus. It is advisable, particularly in valuable animals, to give regular boosters. To maintain immunity against strangles, a booster dose of Equivac 2 in 1 or Equivac S should be given annually. Increased protection against strangles may be obtained by administering booster doses more frequently, and 6 monthly revaccination should be considered in circumstances where the risk of strangles is known to be high. The preferred vaccine for this purpose is Equivac S. See literature included with product for further details.
