LIVESTOCK

VACCINE
HANDLING
GUIDE
WHY
VACCINE HANDLING
IS IMPORTANT
The risk of a disease occurring and its severity are a trade-off
between challenge and immunity. Comprehensive preventative
animal health programs aim to not only boost the immunity side
of the balance, but also reduce the challenge.

Vaccination programs should look beyond the scheduling of

vaccination events and ensure that the animals are immunised
and not merely vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective but the
aim is to achieve herd immunity, not 100% individual immunity.
The purpose of this guide is to summarise how veterinarians
and farmers can maximise the chances of immunising livestock
through careful handling of vaccines.

Inadequate vaccine handling can not only reduce vaccine efficacy,

but also cause direct harm to animals or people, create wasted
vaccine and impact the environment through inappropriate
disposal of vaccine and packaging.
This is a general guide that defines Zoetis’ recommendations
for handling livestock vaccines, including cattle, sheep, deer
and swine.

It does not describe wider animal health programs or

indicate when vaccination is recommended, nor does it
provide complete information on specific vaccines and
diseases. Veterinarians should ensure that both sides of the
challenge/immunity balance are addressed and that farmers
understand their animal health program and have realistic
expectations of vaccine performance.

This guide approaches vaccine handling in three parts:

1. BEFORE VACCINATION

2. DURING VACCINATION

3. AFTER VACCINATION

THE MAIN POINTS OF THIS GUIDE ARE:

1. Read and follow vaccine label directions.
2. Regularly check vaccine handling procedures.
3. Keep vaccines at 2-8°C unless otherwise stated.
4. Maintain hygienic vaccination equipment and vaccine packs.
5. Plan vaccinations in advance to avoid vaccine expiring, missing animal life
stages/classes and clashes with other activities (e.g. more than two Gram
negative vaccines concurrently).
6. Avoid vaccinating stressed or unwell animals.
7. Dispose of needles and vaccine packaging responsibly.
8. Prepare for suspected adverse drug events.
1. BEFORE VACCINATION
a. Read and follow the vaccine label
Become familiar with vaccine labels before booking vaccinations to avoid errors in
timing, number of packs required and special requirements such as unique vaccination
guns. Product labels can change over time. Some products have very specific and
critical vaccination intervals (e.g. Bopriva®) or usage conditions (e.g. Bopriva is not to be
handled by women of child bearing age) or contraindications (e.g. Eweguard® should
not be used in sheep previously vaccinated for footrot).

b. Maintain cold chain

Unless otherwise stated, livestock vaccines must be stored at 2-8°C.
Vaccine components may degrade prematurely if stored inappropriately. Freezing can
reduce efficacy due to separation of the adjuvant from the antigen, and it can cause
adverse drug events due to release of endotoxin from Gram negative cell walls. In the
case of live vaccines, deviation from the recommended temperature directly affects the
viability of the organism.
The most common causes of cold
chain failure are: ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR MAINTAINING CORRECT
• Vaccines left outside the
STORAGE TEMPERATURES:
refrigerator on delivery.
• Unless otherwise stated, vaccines must
• Power cuts.
be kept at 2-8°C.
• Refrigerator failure (especially in
• Ensure vaccine shipments are planned
hot weather).
• So that delivery occurs during work
• Accidental alteration of the
hours and a staff member can unpack
thermostat setting.
and refrigerate the vaccine on arrival.
• Door seal failure (the refrigerator
• This is especially important near
works harder and the resulting
weekends and during holiday periods.
temperature gradient within the
refrigerator creates warm vaccine • Place a digital thermometer inside
near the door and frozen vaccine the refrigerator and monitor the
at the back). temperature regularly.
• Overloading the refrigerator with • Store refrigerated goods so there is
vaccine packs stored too close space between them to allow
together (inadequate cool air the air to circulate and better maintain
circulation). target temperature.
• Cooling large masses of warm • Secure the thermostat so it is not
objects in the same space accidentally adjusted.
(e.g. colostrum).
c. Protect vaccines from light
Ultraviolet light accelerates the degradation of vaccines.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATION:
• Keep livestock vaccines in the original
carton when not in use.

d. Coordinate all life stages and livestock classes with a

herd health program
Leaving some ages or classes unvaccinated may fail to achieve herd immunity and
result in an apparent vaccine breakdown. Vaccination events should be planned to
avoid administering several products simultaneously, e.g. vaccines, anthelmintics and
mineral injections, especially to sick or stressed animals and during hot weather. Avoid
administering more than two Gram negative vaccines at any one time, especially in
hot weather, as this can increase the risk of post-vaccination adverse drug events.
Mineralised vaccines (e.g. Ultravac® 5 in 1 with Selenium) should only be used after
considering the risk of overdose.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Each farm should have a herd health program that ensures all animals are
immunised and avoid application of excessive numbers of veterinary medicines
concurrently.
• Avoid administering more than two Gram negative vaccines at any one time,
especially in hot weather.
• Use mineralised vaccines only after considering the risk of overdose.
e. Check equipment and vaccine
Some vaccines use specific guns (e.g. the Ezi-Grip applicator for Scabigard®, the
Sekurus gun for Bopriva), sometimes as a label condition. Specialist guns usually require
practice. Use of incorrect or poorly calibrated equipment may result in overdosing
(resulting in not enough vaccine on hand and potential toxicity with mineralised
vaccines) or underdosing (meaning the entire group should be re-vaccinated).

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Use the correct gun and practice using it.
• Read the vaccine leaflet or label for
information on vaccinator gun handling.
• Calibrate vaccination guns before use
with a measuring flask or syringe.
• Inspect equipment for hygiene (see
“After vaccination” for cleaning advice).
• Check the vaccine is within its expiry
date and its in-use life (if opened).
Vaccines that are expired or have
exceeded their in-use life should be
discarded (see “After Vaccination”).

f. Suspected adverse drug events (SADEs)

Veterinarians should be prepared for SADEs after the use of veterinary medicines,
including vaccines (e.g. anaphylaxis, injection site reactions) and owners should be
aware of such risks.
Suspected adverse drug events should be reported to either the registrant or
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
2. DURING VACCINATION
a. Maintain cold chain
Unless otherwise stated, keep vaccines at 2-8°C during transit. Take steps to minimise
the time vaccine packs are warmed to ambient temperature and exposed to light during
use. This is especially important if some of the vaccine packs will be put back into
refrigerated storage and used later.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Use insulated bags passively cooled with ice packs.
• Ice packs should be chilled in the freezer at least 24 hours before use and
placed on their side and evenly spread through coolers.
• Be careful not to freeze vaccines in coolers with ice packs.
• Regularly place a thermometer in vaccine packs to monitor the cold chain
effectiveness.
b. Maintain hygiene
The risk of a hygiene breakdown resulting in an adverse event is a function of the
type and extent of contamination and time. If the vaccine or instrument is stored in a
contaminated state, the flora will multiply. The risk of contamination is much higher in
wet conditions.
Do not sterilise needles with chemicals during use as this can destroy vaccines. It is not
recommended to attempt to disinfect skin before vaccination with live vaccines as the
disinfectant may also destroy the vaccine. Vaccines should be handled aseptically with
clean hands and contact with unsterile surfaces must be avoided.
See “After Vaccination” for information on cleaning vaccination guns.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Avoid vaccination when animals are wet.
• Do not administer vaccine through visibly contaminated skin.
• Change needle, draw-off tube and gun if they become contaminated.
• Do not contaminate vaccine pack stoppers before perforating them
(e.g. dirty hands).
• Disinfect stoppers with an appropriate disinfectant before perforation,
e.g. methylated spirits.
• Use a new draw-off tube with each new vaccine pack. Some draw off tubes
can be boiled to sterilise them and then reused. Frequent attachment of
the connecting tube may cause the stopper to leak. Therefore, the tube
should not be attached more than twice.
• Do not perforate vaccine pack stoppers with used needles, including the
needle on the vaccination gun.
• Do not inject unused vaccine in the gun or draw-tube back into the vaccine
pack. This could contaminate the vaccine pack, especially if it will be stored
before next use.
• DO NOT attempt to sterilise needles with chemicals (e.g. methylated spirit)
during use.
c. Connect vaccination guns correctly
Take care when connecting draw-off tubes
to avoid contaminating or damaging vaccine ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
packs and apparatus. Used draw-off tubes
may contain flora that could contaminate the • Ensure the stylus on the
vaccine pack, which is especially problematic if draw-off tube is sharp
the pack will be stored for days between uses. before connecting.
That pack could then contaminate other packs • Use a new draw off tube for
via the draw-off tube, creating a perpetual each pack.
cycle of contamination. Blunt styluses increase
the risk of leakage or pushing the stopper into
the vaccine pack.

Follow the same instructions when withdrawing single doses into a disposable syringe.
Zoetis has no data on the stability of Zoetis vaccines when removed from the original
vaccine pack.

d. Select the appropriate needle size and replace regularly

The table below provides suggested needle sizes for cattle and sheep. However, the
most suitable needle size will vary depending on the species and age of the animals
being vaccinated and the injection site.

Cattle and deer Sheep Pigs

3/8” – ½” ¼” (lambs) – 3/8” (adults) ½” (piglets) – 1” (adults)
Subcutaneous
16-18G 18-20G 14-18G
1-1½ ” ½” (lambs/light animals) – 1” (large ewes/rams) 5/8” (piglets) – 1 ½” (adults)
Intramuscular
16-18G 18-20G 14-18G

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Carefully select needle size based on site of injection, age and condition of
animal and viscosity of product.
• Use a new needle at the start of each vaccination event.
• Never straighten or reuse a damaged needle.
• Change needle every 10-20 animals, or sooner if it is contaminated, bent, burred
or blunted.
• For subcutaneous vaccines, use the shortest needle possible.
e. Administer the correct dose to the correct site
Avoid administering vaccines into or over valuable parts of the carcass (e.g. rump) as
it can result in carcass trimming and downgrading if abscesses or lumps are found.
When administering multiple vaccines concurrently, ideally choose injection sites that
enable each vaccine to be processed by a different draining lymph node. E.g. when
two vaccines are used, administer each vaccine on different sides of the neck. Space
injection sites so the vaccines do not mix (minimum of 10 cm apart). Follow a consistent
pattern and record the site of each vaccine so that, in the event of injection site lesions,
it is evident which vaccine is responsible.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Administer vaccines to the anterior third of the neck unless otherwise stated.
• When multiple vaccines are used:
• Choose sites with different draining lymph nodes.
• Space injections so the vaccines do not mix in the animal (e.g. 10cm
between injections).
• Never combine vaccines unless specifically stated on the vaccine label.
• Keep the injection sites consistent for each vaccine and document which
vaccine was injected where in case of subsequent injection site lesions.
• Ensure animals are adequately restrained to facilitate correct placement
of injections.

f. Shake vaccine packs regularly and gently

Vaccine components can settle and separate. Excessive shaking can create foam.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Agitate vaccine packs regularly (e.g. every row of animals).
• Use a gentle swirling motion or gently invert the pack several times.
g. Avoid vaccinating stressed or compromised animals
Late pregnancy, heat stress and poor health can reduce the immune response to
vaccination and increase the risk of adverse events. Professional nutritional advice may
be needed to ensure proper energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral requirements are
being met in these animals.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Avoid vaccinating pregnant livestock within 10 days of parturition.
• Avoid working cattle if temperature is over 30°C with over 40% humidity, or at
lower temperatures with higher humidity.
• Sick, malnourished or stressed animals should not be expected to develop the
same immunity as healthy animals.
h. Accidental exposure or self-injection
Accidental human injection may have negative outcomes due to:
• Local trauma or infection from the needle.
• Local or systemic effects from the vaccine, if injected.
Injection of a vaccine may cause an allergic or inflammatory reaction. Some vaccines,
such as live scabby mouth vaccines and endocrine vaccines may also be active in humans.
Consult the specific vaccine instructions and safety data sheets (SDS) in the case of human
exposure. Special precautions should be taken with some vaccines, including Scabigard
(live vaccine) and Bopriva.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Use specialised vaccination
IN THE CASE OF HUMAN
guns according to vaccine label
EXPOSURE OR INJECTION:
instructions.
• Seek medical attention if you are
• Read and follow label instructions
concerned or if vaccine is injected
on vaccine handling.
and show the package leaflet or the
label to the Medical Practitioner. • Take care when changing needles
– this is a common cause of needle
• SDSs are available from
stick injury.
www.zoetis.co.nz/sds/index.aspx
or 0800 ZOETIS (0800 963 847). • Wear gloves and eye protection
when administering scabby mouth
• If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor
vaccines. Other people handling
or Poisons Information Centre.
animals immediately after they
Phone 0800 POISON
have been vaccinated against
(0800 764 766).
scabby mouth should wear gloves
• If skin or hair contact occurs, if they will be in direct contact
remove contaminated clothing and with the vaccination area.
flush skin and hair with running
• Wear gloves when cleaning
water. If splashed in eyes, wash out
equipment that has contained
immediately with water.
scabby mouth vaccines or Gudair.
• Prompt medical attention must be
• Absorb spills with inert material
sought in the case of self-injection
and dispose of it in medical
with oil-based vaccines (e.g. Gudair®,
waste containers. Wash the area
Respisure® One), even in the absence
and absorb and dispose of the
of clinical signs.
material. Surfaces or materials
• Human exposure to any livestock contaminated by live vaccines
vaccine should be reported to either should be cleaned and disinfected
the registrant or MPI as an adverse with suitable disinfectants or
drug event. boiling for 10 minutes.
3. AFTER VACCINATION
a. Clean vaccination guns
Vaccine residue is a food source for microbes. Storage of equipment and packs
containing vaccine may enable a microbial colony to establish. Furthermore, the residue
of one vaccine can interfere with a different vaccine. E.g. components of inactivated
vaccines can destroy live vaccines.
Operators should wear gloves when dismantling and cleaning scabby mouth vaccine
applicators to prevent self-infection. Scrubbing brushes should be avoided as they can
scratch the skin and inoculate live virus.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Follow vaccine gun manufacturer instructions on gun cleaning and maintenance.
• Vaccination guns should be thoroughly dismantled, rinsed and cleaned with
clean water as soon as possible after use.
• Use mild dishwashing liquid to clean equipment, especially after using oily
vaccines like Gudair, and rinse thoroughly as detergent residues may interfere
with vaccines.
• Some applicators can be boiled for 10 minutes to sterilise them (e.g. Scabigard
Ezi-Grip applicator) – check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
• Discard the draw-off tube and use a new draw-off tube with each new vaccine
pack. Some vaccines state that draw-off tubes can be boiled to sterilise them
and then be reused.
• Boiled applicators and tubes must be allowed to cool to room temperature
before use.
• Lubricate as required according to the gun manufacturer’s instructions.
• Some applicators should be discarded at the end of each season’s use, to
minimise the risk of contamination (e.g. Scabigard Ezi-Grip applicator).

b. Dispose of needles in sharps containers

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATION:
• Veterinarians and farmers should dispose of needles in designated and
appropriately labelled sharps containers. These containers should be collected
by medical waste service providers.
c. Dispose of vaccine packs and unused vaccine responsibly
Some products are harmful to the environment.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATION:
• Dispose of empty containers by wrapping with paper and putting in garbage
or in approved medical waste containers.
• Vaccine packs containing unused vaccine should be disposed of at veterinary
clinics in approved medical waste containers.

d. Store part used packs according to label instructions

Check the recommended in-use storage life of opened vaccine packs.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDATION:
• Do not inject unused vaccine in the gun or draw-off tube back into the vaccine
pack. This could contaminate the entire vaccine pack.
• Clearly record the date the pack was broached on the packaging.
Many vaccines have a space provided on the carton.
• Unscrew the delivery tube from the vaccine pack.
• Disinfect the stopper with a suitable antiseptic, e.g. methylated spirits.
• Unless otherwise stated, place the vaccine pack in the original outer packaging
and store upright in the refrigerator at 2-8°C, protected from sunlight.
• Use a new draw-off tube with each new vaccine pack. Some draw off tubes
can be boiled to sterilise them and then reused. Frequent attachment of the
connecting tube may cause the stopper to leak. Therefore, the tube should not
be attached more than twice.

e. Post-vaccination reactions
Ensure owners are aware of the possibility of post-vaccination reactions, such as
local tissue lumps and abscesses. Local reactions are more likely with some vaccines.
Adherence to aseptic technique will minimise the risk of post-vaccination reaction.
Suspected adverse drug events should be reported to the registrant or MPI.
 Zoetis New Zealand Limited. Tel: 0800 963 847; www.zoetis.co.nz.
BOPRIVA, EWEGUARD, RESPISURE One, SCABIGARD and ULTRAVAC
are registered trade marks of Zoetis Inc., its affiliates or their licensors.
GUDAIR is a registered trade mark of CZ Veterinaria S.A. ACVM No.
A3731, A7996, A8250 and A9931: RVM; Available only under Veterinary
Authorisation. ACVM No. A6926, A7302, A9122 and A9659: Unrestricted.
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