The present invention relates to the fields of veterinary parasitology and -vaccinology； more specifically the invention relates to a composition comprising live Eimeria oocysts and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition is characterised in that it comprises a TLR3 agonist. The composition can be used to prepare a vaccine for poultry against Coccidiosis. The vaccine can be applied for example as a coarse spray on day-old chicks. The TLR3 agonist in the vaccine allows for a reduction of the dose of Eimeria oocysts up to 4 fold, while obtaining the same level of protection against challenge as from a vaccine without the TLR3 agonist. Alternatively, when employing a conventional dose of Eimeria oocysts in the vaccine, the TLR3 agonist causes an earlier onset of immunity, resulting in a significant reduction of the intestinal lesion score upon challenge, already at 2 instead of at 3 weeks after vaccination.
