Vaccination Schedule for Goats and Sheep

This sheep and goat vaccination schedule outlines common vaccines used for lambs, kids, adult animals, along with recommended timing throughout the year.

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Vaccination is an important part of keeping sheep and goats healthy. A consistent vaccination program helps protect animals from common diseases that can cause illness, production losses, or sudden death. While each operation may have slightly different needs, most sheep and goat vaccination programs follow a similar timeline based on the animal's age and stage of production. Working with your veterinarian can help determine the best vaccination plan for your flock or herd.

The table below summarizes the typical vaccination schedule used for sheep and goats.

Age or Stage	Vaccine	Notes
2-4 weeks before lambing/kidding	Vaccine CD&T booster for dam	Notes Helps antibodies pass through colostrum
6-8 weeks	Vaccine CD&T	Notes First dose protecting against overeating disease and tetanus
6-8 weeks	Vaccine Respiratory Vaccine	Notes Protection against Mannheimia haemolytica
8-12 weeks	Vaccine CD&T booster	Notes Strengthens immunity
8-12 weeks	Vaccine Respiratory booster	Notes Given if first respiratory vaccine was administered
Weaning	Vaccine Coccidiosis prevention	Notes May include a coccidiostat under veterinary guidance
Annually	Vaccine CD&T booster	Notes Maintain immunity in adult animals

What is the CD&T Vaccine for Sheep and Goats?

One of the most common vaccines used in sheep and goats is the CD&T vaccine. This vaccine protects against three serious diseases:

Clostridium perfringens type C

Clostridium perfringens type D

Tetanus

Clostridium perfringens type C and D are associated with enterotoxemia, often called overeating disease. This condition can develop quickly and may cause sudden illness or death, especially in young animals.

Example CD&T vaccines include:

Bovilis Vision CD-T with Spur Cattle, Sheep and Goat Vaccine

Essential 3+T (CD&T) Cattle, Sheep, Goat and Swine Vaccine

Bar-Vac CD/T Cattle, Sheep and Goat Vaccine

Tetanus is another serious risk for sheep and goats. It can occur when bacteria enter the body through wounds, including procedures such as castration or tail docking.

Because these diseases can progress rapidly and are often fatal, CD&T vaccination is considered a core vaccine for most sheep and goat operations.

Vaccinating Lambs and Kids

Young animals typically begin their vaccination program between 6 and 8 weeks of age.

Some producers vaccinate young animals for respiratory disease caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, especially in operations where pneumonia has been a concern. A booster vaccination is typically given 3-4 weeks after the first dose to strengthen immunity.

Vaccination for Breeding Ewes and Does

Adult animals require annual booster vaccinations to maintain protection. Breeding animals are commonly vaccinated 2-4 weeks before lambing or kidding. This timing is important because it allows antibodies to pass from the dam to the newborn through colostrum. High-quality colostrum is critical for lambs and kids since they are born without significant immune protection. When newborn animals nurse soon after birth, they receive antibodies that help protect them during the first weeks of life.

Additional Vaccines to Consider

Some vaccines are used only when specific diseases are present in a flock or herd. Producers may consider these vaccines depending on disease history and veterinary guidance.