If you come into regular contact with livestock, you may be at risk of contracting Q-FEVER. Q fever is caused by a micro-organism that is mainly carried by cattle, sheep and goats. It can also be carried by kangaroos, camels, rodents, cats, dogs, birds and wallabies. The bacteria can survive many disinfectants and harsh conditions and may remain in the environment for long periods of time, meaning that dust, hay and other small particles may also carry the bacteria.
Acute Q fever symptoms can be influenza-like, some cases can develop a severe illness with hepatitis and pneumonia. Infection does carry the risk of long-term complications.
Vaccination is safe, and very effective at preventing the illness, but can only be given if not exposed to the bacteria in the past.
Our purpose
At Rusden Street Medical, we conduct regular Q-Fever Clinics to screen for the Q-Fever bacteria. This is done with a simple skin and blood test, which is followed up in 7 days with the Q-Fever Vaccination if required.
For individuals: Clinics are held monthly. Please contact our surgery on (02) 6772 2291
For employer groups: Contact us on (02) 6772 2291 to organise a group clinic at a mutually agreeable time
Meet the clinician
What you can expect
Vaccine for Q Fever
There is a vaccine called Q-Vax, which gives a high level of protection against Q fever. It is recommended that workers at risk of contracting Q fever be immunised before starting work. This vaccine is not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women.
Employers at workplaces where there is a high risk of Q fever should arrange for everyone to be immunised with Q-Vax. This will give a high level of protection against Q fever infection.
People must be tested to make sure they are not already immune to Q fever before they are vaccinated with Q-Vax, otherwise, they can have a severe reaction to the vaccine.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Q Fever clinic cost?
The vaccine is not funded by the Commonwealth government, and private fees apply for all clinics. Please contact the clinic on 02 6772 2291discuss this further.
I’m not a patient at… Can I still attend the Q-Fever Clinic?
Yes. Our service is designed to complement the services provided by your regular GP.
What do I do if I am unable to attend a Q Fever Clinic?
A Q Fever Clinic is the only way to obtain a Q -Vax vaccination.
Who is at risk of Q Fever (infection with C. burnettii)?
People who work with cattle, sheep and goats are most at risk of catching Q fever.
- abattoir workers
- farmers
- stockyard workers
- shearers
- animal transporters (of high-risk animals such as cattle, camels, sheep, goats and kangaroos)
- veterinarians
- veterinary nurses
- veterinary students
- professional dog and cat breeders
- agricultural college staff and students
- wildlife and zoo workers who work with high-risk animals
- animal refuge workers (including those working in animal shelters and boarding facilities)
- laboratory workers who handle veterinary specimens or work with C. burnetii
- other people exposed to high-risk animals
How do you catch Q Fever?
Q Fever is passed on to humans through:
- contact with animal faeces, urine or birth products
- breathing in dust from infected premises
- contact with contaminated wool or hides, or presence during slaughtering
- Consumption of unpasteurised ‘raw’ milk
- Q fever is not normally transmitted person-to-person