The invention provides methods and kits for inducing a therapeutic immunity in animals (e.g. mammals) against viral antigens, including herpes-simplex virus type 2. In particular, the invention provides a method of treating animals with an established HSV-2 infection by administering a therapeutic vaccine comprising a priming dose of a nucleic acid encoding an HSV-2 antigen, an initial or first boosting dose comprising the protein form of the antigen encapsulated in liposomes, and one or more subsequent boosting doses comprising both the nucleic acid encoding the HSV-2 antigen and the liposomal-encapsulated protein antigen.
