Which vaccine, at what age, and how often: the NDDB schedule for cows and buffaloes, with a calculator that turns your calf's birth date into actual due dates.
Last updated: 3 October 2026
Vaccine due-date calculator
Enter the date of birth to see the dates.
Vaccination chart for cows and buffaloes
Disease
First dose
Booster
Repeat
FMD (foot and mouth disease)
4 months and above
1 month after the first dose
Every 6 months
HS (haemorrhagic septicaemia, galghotu)
6 months and above
—
Every year in areas where it occurs
BQ (black quarter)
6 months and above
—
Every year in areas where it occurs
Brucellosis
4–8 months, female calves only
—
Once in life
Lumpy skin disease (goat pox vaccine)
4 months and above
—
Every year
Theileriosis
3 months and above
—
Once in life, crossbred and exotic cattle
Anthrax
4 months and above
—
Every year, only where it occurs
IBR
3 months and above
1 month after the first dose
Every 6 months (mostly breeding bulls)
Calves born to vaccinated mothers get some protection from colostrum for the first few months, which is why most first doses start at 3 to 6 months.
When in the year to vaccinate
FMD: the government's NADCP campaign vaccinates every cow and buffalo twice a year, free of charge. Ask your village veterinary officer for the round dates.
HS and BQ: once a year, before the monsoon (May–June), because outbreaks follow the rains.
Lumpy skin disease: once a year, before the season of flies, mosquitoes and ticks that spread it.
Brucellosis: female calves between 4 and 8 months, once. This is also free under NADCP.
Deworming schedule
Age
How often
1 to 6 months (calf)
Every month
7 to 18 months (growing heifer)
Every 3 months
Adult
Twice a year, ideally before calving and before breeding
Deworm one to two weeks before a vaccination: a wormy animal responds less well to the vaccine. Change the dewormer medicine now and then so worms don't become resistant.
On vaccination day
Vaccinate only healthy animals. Skip one that has fever or is off feed, and do it when she recovers.
Ask your vet before vaccinating animals in late pregnancy.
Vaccines must stay cold (2–8 °C) until used. A vaccine left in the sun stops working.
A small swelling at the injection site or a slight dip in milk for a day or two is normal.
Write down the date, vaccine and batch number for each animal, so you know when the next dose is due.
Common questions
At what age should a calf get its first FMD vaccine?
At 4 months or older, with a booster one month later, and then every 6 months for life.
Is the FMD vaccine free?
Yes. Under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), FMD and brucellosis vaccines are free. Your state animal husbandry department runs the campaign.
Can I vaccinate a pregnant cow?
Many routine vaccines are given to pregnant animals, but ask your veterinarian first, especially in the last months of pregnancy.
How often should cattle be dewormed?
Calves every month until 6 months, young stock every 3 months until about 18 months, and adults twice a year.
Do buffaloes follow the same schedule?
Yes. The NDDB schedule is the same for cattle and buffaloes; theileriosis vaccine is mainly for crossbred and exotic cattle.
General guidance from the NDDB schedule. Disease risk differs by area: follow your veterinarian's advice.
Do this for every animal, automatically.
Pashupaalak keeps each cow's milk, vaccines, heats and costs, reminds you before anything is due, and works in Hindi, Marathi and English. Free for 10 animals.
