Giving IM injections
Using the vial before it expires
Keeping the vial safely refrigerated
Considering giving different vaccines a week or two apart
This is a pretty simple tip for saving money, but it can still save quite a lot. You can buy and administer most vaccines yourself, for a much lower cost. There is, however, a lot to consider when doing so.
Even if you don't have your vet administer vaccines, it's still a good idea to discuss a vaccine program with them. They may have some valuable input; for example, here in Florida, it's better to vaccinate for diseases carried by mosquitoes early, perhaps February or March. And then we revaccinate 6 months later, because there is just THAT much exposure to mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.
Your vet will be able to advise you on regional timing for your vaccinations, to make them as effective as possible. Your vet will be also aware of regional issues for which you may/may not need a vaccine, like Potomac Horse Fever.
The absolute cheapest way to give vaccines is to buy a vial of 5 or 7 way vaccines, measure out the right dosage, and administer to your horse (as an intra-muscular injection). There are a few issues, though:
* Some people aren't comfortable giving IM injections. Your vet may be able to help teach you.
* If you have only one horse, the vial may expire before you use it all. The vial needs to be refrigerated; if you're in an area with frequent power outages, you may end up with a bad vial. (Don't guess--if you lose power and anything in the fridge goes bad, assume the vial did too.)
To use a vial more quickly while still getting the lower cost, it may be worth splitting a vial with one or several friends.
* Recent studies suggest that giving multiple vaccines at the same time may not be as healthy. If you're giving all your own vaccines, you can buy them individually, and give the various vaccine a week or two apart. This is more expensive--buyi
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