Q Fever vaccine information

What is Q Fever?

Q fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, that is spread from animals to humans.  

Cattle, sheep and goats are the main sources of infection; however, a wide range of domestic and wild animals can spread the infection to humans. Infected animals usually do not appear to be sick.

Most infections occur from breathing in air or dust contaminated with Q fever bacteria from animal birth fluids, tissues or excretions. The bacteria survive well in air, soil and dust and can infect animal products and materials such as clothing and straw.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often include high fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches and fatigue; some people may develop pneumonia or hepatitis. While many recover fully, a small number can develop chronic Q fever, which can lead to serious complications such as inflammation of the heart.

Who should be vaccinated against Q Fever?

People whose work puts them in contact with high-risk animals or animal products such as cattle, sheep, goats and wildlife have a high risk of getting infected with Q fever. The vaccine is strongly recommended for people aged 15 years and over who work in high-risk occupations.

Who should not be vaccinated?

Not everyone can be vaccinated. Those with a known allergy to egg proteins should not be vaccinated. Pregnant women,
children under 15 years of age and those with weakened immune systems should obtain specialist advice before considering vaccination.

For all others, pre-vaccination screening is necessary to identify who can be vaccinated.

Is the Q fever vaccine effective?

The Q fever vaccine (Q-VAX®) has been licensed for use in Australia since 1989 and has shown to be highly effective in
preventing Q fever infection in humans. Since the introduction of the vaccination for high-risk occupations, the rates of Q fever infection have dropped markedly.

What is pre-vaccination screening?

To avoid the risk of a severe reaction the vaccine should only be given to those who have not been in contact with the bacteria
in the past. Pre-vaccination screening has 3 stages:

1. an interview with our nurse about Q fever infection or past vaccination
2. blood test to check for immunity
3. skin test to check for immunity.

It is possible to have been in contact with Q fever bacteria and not get sick, so pre-vaccination screening is essential. Both tests
are needed as they are looking for different types of immunity.

What happens at the skin test?

If you don’t know that you have been infected with Q fever or vaccinated in the past, our nurse will carry out a skin test. This involves a small injection of dilute Q fever vaccine given under the skin on the inside of your forearm. Seven days later, our nurse will examine the injection site. A lump or swelling at the injection site is a positive reaction.

What does a positive test result on blood test or skin test mean?

A positive skin test or blood test indicates that you have been in contact with Q fever bacteria in the past. In this case, you cannot be vaccinated as you are at an increased risk of a serious reaction to the vaccine. It is likely that you are immune to Q fever infection. You may commence work immediately in a high-risk occupation.

It is possible to be positive on either the skin test or blood test and negative on the other. To avoid the risk of a severe reaction, the vaccine should only be given to those who are negative on both tests.

Is the Q fever vaccine safe?

The vaccine has been shown to be safe provided the screening tests mentioned above are done. Minor skin reactions are common 3 to 4 days after the initial skin test, however, these reactions generally resolve by day 7 when the skin test is read by our nurse. Common side effects to the vaccine include injection site reaction (pain, heat, swelling and redness), flu like symptoms, headache and fever. Serious side effects are very rare. The vaccine is not a live vaccine and cannot cause Q fever infection.

What should be considered before vaccination?

Q fever vaccination requires two to complete both pre vaccination screening (including a blood test and a skin test) and vaccination. These visits should be 7 days apart. Only book the first appointment when you can return in 7 days to have the injection site examined by the nurse. If eligible, vaccination can be given at the second appointment. The vaccine is a single injection given in the upper arm.

What should be considered after vaccination?

Allow 15 days after vaccination before starting work in an at-risk environment. Under work health and safety legislation you will be refused entry to high-risk areas of the workplace until 2 weeks from the date of vaccination.

Once completed, keep this record of vaccination in a safe place as you may be asked for it later, particularly if you change jobs as your new employer will need this evidence.