Rules of vaccination
Meat & Livestock Australia December 13, 2022
Follow these rules of vaccination to ensure vaccinations are performed safely and effectively:
Always follow manufacturer’s instructions where possible with regards to timing of vaccination, care of the vaccine and site of injection.
If handling and mustering are major factors preventing the adoption of the manufacturer’s instructions, then multiple vaccines can be given on the same day. However, never mix vaccines in the same syringe. The manufacturers do this already wherever possible to solve this issue e.g., ‘5 in 1’ or ‘7 in 1’ vaccine. If it can be done, they would have done it already.
Use separate syringes for each vaccine and administer at different sites – approximately 4 inches (10cms) apart. Use different sides of the neck. Don’t vaccinate in the rump or other parts of the carcase.
Vaccinate at weaning if possible, for most diseases.
If tick fever vaccine is being administered, plan to administer it two weeks after all the other vaccines have been given if in a low risk situation. This is because a tick fever vaccine may affect the immune response to the other vaccines. However, if the animals are from a clean area, then give the tick fever vaccine first as this is where the biggest losses could occur. Finally, if there is only one chance to vaccinate the animals before they are released and there are no alternatives, give all vaccines at once following the rules outlined above. This is far better than giving no vaccine at all.
Keep needles clean but do not use disinfectants with modified live vaccines. Change needles frequently (every 50 jabs recommended) as they don’t cost much in comparison to severe trim at the abattoir
Thoroughly wash the vaccinating gun with clean water and flush with a mild disinfectant solution after use. Store in a clean, dry place and flush thoroughly with warm clean water prior to use.
Always have a cooler box or some other such facility to keep the vaccine cool if the procedure is to be carried out over several hours or more. Use insulated vaccine pouches during use to slow the heating of vaccine and protect it from light.