Top Considerations When Building Your Cattle Vaccination Program

Understanding the key role a vaccination program plays in the overall health of your cattle herd and business.

At a glance

• Vaccination programs play a vital role in protecting herds from infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.
• There are many types of vaccines and careful consideration must be given to when and how vaccines are administered to reduce stress on the animal and ensure the efficacy of the vaccine.

A robust cattle vaccination program is a producer’s most potent ally in protecting herds from infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. By providing proactive protection against harmful diseases, producers can promote herd health, longevity and, ultimately, their bottom line. 

While vaccines don't prevent exposure to disease, they significantly enhance animals' ability to fight off infections and reduce disease severity. Vaccines stimulate an animal’s immune system, training it to recognize and remember specific antigens for pathogens that can protect against disease when exposed to that pathogen.

To ensure an adequate immune response to vaccination, animals should be in a good physiological state. This includes reducing stress when possible and maintaining a good plane of nutrition including micronutrients, like copper, zinc and selenium.

While cattle vaccination programs have similarities in essential components, no two herds are the same, and it is important to always consult your veterinarian as a trusted partner when creating a vaccination program.

Navigating vaccines

There are three primary types of cattle vaccines:

• Modified-live vaccine (MLV): MLV vaccines contain non-pathogenic versions of viruses that mimic the actual disease without causing illness.
• Killed vaccines: Killed vaccines do not contain live pathogens. They consist of inactivated viruses, bacteria or toxins similar to the disease-causing pathogens.
• Combination vaccines: Some vaccines include both MLV and killed components.

Core vaccinations

While the specifics of your program may vary, there are core vaccinations typically recommended for cattle in a preconditioning program. These are determined by the disease pressures, the likeliness of exposure and the potential consequences of unvaccinated exposure. Core vaccines are often considered the minimum level of protection required for cattle herds.

Vaccines’ names commonly provide valuable information about the diseases they protect against. When deciphering vaccine names, remember terms like 4-way, 5-way, 7-way or 8-way typically indicate the number of microorganisms the vaccine targets.

How and when to vaccinate

To optimize the impact of the vaccine on the health and performance of your animals, the vaccine program should be tailored to the herd's specific needs, considering timing, age and reproductive cycles. One way to do this is to anchor your vaccination program around your herd's breeding and calving seasons, using these events serve as a guide for scheduling vaccinations.

Most cattle vaccines are administered via injection, though other methods like intranasal and oral delivery are also used. It is important to follow the vaccine product and your herd veterinarian’s recommendations when administering vaccines.

Vaccine safety

We are committed to the continual exploration and investment into resources that will help producers do what’s right for their cattle and their operations. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure their safety and efficacy, offering producers reliable protection against specific diseases. However, once the vaccines are on-site at an operation, it is up to the producer to ensure the quality of the vaccine is maintained since your efforts to protect your cattle through vaccination can be futile if vaccines are not stored and handled correctly.

Ensure proper storage and handling by always verifying the expiration dates on vaccine products and following all label instructions including recommended temperature control and protecting the vaccines from sunlight. Proper storage and handling can prevent vaccines from degrading and ensures optimal efficacy. Avoid vaccine environmental exposure by mixing MLV vaccines throughout the day as needed rather than premixing the amount needed for an entire day.

Tailored vaccination programs are key

A vaccination program is key to ensuring the health of beef cattle and a successful operation. Tailoring your program to your herd’s specific needs, consulting with your veterinarian and understanding the types of vaccines and diseases involved will empower you to make informed decisions to protect your herd. By prioritizing their health, you're also safeguarding the productivity and profitability of your cattle operation.

To learn more about vaccine products or programs, talk with your veterinarian or Elanco technical consultant.