Q fever is an infection caused by Coxiella burnetii, a type of bacterium found worldwide except New Zealand. The infection is almost always related to direct or indirect contact with animals such as cattle, sheep or goats. Infection in other animals is probably common, but animals usually do not appear to be ill. Altona North Medical Hub offers pre-vaccination blood and skin testing as well as Q Fever vaccinations.A Q fever vaccine is available in Australia and is 83% to 100% effective in preventing the disease.
Prior to immunisation, a blood and a skin test is performed to see if the individual has previously been exposed to Q Fever (either naturally or by previous vaccination) as vaccinating those already exposed to Q fever can result in severe reactions.
The Q fever vaccine can only be given to individuals 15 years of age and over.
According to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, Q fever vaccine is recommended for adolescents aged over 15 years and adults who are at risk of infection with C. burnetii. These include:
- Abattoir workers
- Farmers
- Stockyard workers
- Shearers
- Animal transporters (of high-risk animals such as cattle, camels, sheep, goats and kangaroos)
- Veterinarians, veterinary nurses and veterinary students
- Professional dog and cat breeders
- Pet food manufacturing workers
- Agricultural college staff and students
- Wildlife and zoo workers who work with high-risk animals, including kangaroos and bandicoots
- Animal refuge workers (including those working in animal shelters and boarding facilities)
- People who cull or process kangaroos or camels
- Laboratory workers who handle veterinary specimens or work with burnetii
other people exposed to high-risk animals
