The British Riding Clubs have issued a statement about changes in rules for flu jabs: the full statement is below but basically it goes back to annual after January 1 2023, and the 15-month allowance ends on Dec 31 2022. Below is the BRC's full statement:
During the months of September and October the equestrian world was in the midst of an unprecedented influenza vaccination shortage.
As such, British Riding Clubs amended the vaccination rules to permit a 15-month interval instead of the usual 12-months for the annual booster vaccination. This 15-month booster must be followed by another booster, no more than 9 months later. Essentially still ensuring 2 annual boosters are given in a 24-month period.
A veterinary letter or indication in the passport should be shown when flu vac checks are carried out, acting as dispensation not to restart the course of vaccinations for the late 12-month booster. It is the competitors’ responsibility to ensure the 15-month booster is followed by a booster within 9 months.
At BRC events from 1 September until 31 December 2022, 12-month boosters may be extended to the 15-months as outlined above. From 1 January 2023, where a 12-month booster is due it must be done according to the BRC Handbook.
Annual boosters due on or before 31 December may utilise the 15-month interval if needed and vets must indicate this as above in the passport/letter. This must only be used if your vet practice has a shortage of vaccinations.
E.g., if your annual vaccination is due on 1 December and your vet practice are unable to vaccinate due to a shortage, you can extend the annual vaccination by up to 3 months. Annual vaccination can therefore be administered on or before 1 March, then following the guidance above must be vaccinated with an annual within 9 months. Ensure you have confirmation from the vets this is the case when attending a competition.
Annual boosters due on or after 1 January 2023 must revert to the usual 12-month interval found in G7 of the BRC Handbook.
