Q fever is an infection spread to humans from animals, mainly cattle, sheep and goats. It can cause a severe influenza-like illness and long-term health problems. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Q fever infection and is recommended for those who work, live in or visit high-risk environments. Talk to your doctor to see if vaccination is right for you.
Q fever is a disease caused by bacteria spread to humans from animals. It can cause flu-like symptoms that can be severe. Some people experience long-term health issues following infection.
Cattle, sheep and goats are the main sources of infection; however a wide range of animals can also spread the bacteria to humans. This includes domestic and feral dogs and cats, feral pigs, horses, rabbits, rodents, alpacas, camels, llamas, foxes, and Australian native wildlife (including kangaroos, wallabies and bandicoots). 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. It can also infect animal products and materials such as clothing and straw.
Workers in the following occupations are at high risk of Q fever:
All workers who enter workplaces in which Q fever may be present are also at risk of infection. This
includes tradespeople, contractors, labour hire workers, sales representatives, buyers, emergency services workers and council workers.
Other people may be at risk of Q fever through contact with high-risk animals outside of work. It can also occur in regional and rural areas by breathing in infected dust and particles in the environment.
Other people at increased risk of Q fever include:
People whose work puts them in contact with high- risk animals or animal products 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.
Vaccination is also recommended for anyone aged 15 years and over who may come into contact with Q fever bacteria during activities outside of work or in the areas in which they live, work or visit. Your doctor will help you decide if vaccination is right for you.
Further information for health professionals about Q fever vaccination is available in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
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.
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. Since the introduction of vaccination for high-risk occupations, the rates of Q fever infection have dropped significantly. The vaccine is made in Australia.
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:
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 to ensure all different types of immunity are considered.
A positive skin test or blood test indicates you have been in contact with Q fever bacteria in the past. This means you cannot be vaccinated as you are at an increased risk of a serious reaction to the vaccine. It also means you are likely to be immune to Q fever infection.
You may start or continue to work 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.
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 usually go away after 7 days, which is when the skin test is read by your doctor.
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.
Discuss any side effect concerns with your doctor.
Vaccination is the most effective way of protecting yourself against Q fever. For those who are unable or choose not to be vaccinated there are other measures that you can take to reduce your risk of infection. These measures can also be adopted by those who have been recently vaccinated and are waiting the necessary two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection.
Read the factsheets for Q fever and Q fever infection on farms for advice.
See related factsheets on Q fever, Q fever and farms, Q fever and veterinary staff.
For further information call your local public health unit on 1300 066 055.
See the ATO decision for tax deductibility of Q fever vaccination.