Q Fever Register and Vaccinations
Bulli Medical Practice is an authorised user of the Q Fever Register and can assist patients that require potential vaccination for Q fever. For more information about Q Fever, see the information below, or visit the Department of Health website.
What is Q fever?
Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii which infects wild and domestic animals and their ticks. Humans are mainly infected from cattle, sheep and goats.
Acute symptoms are influenza-like. However, some cases develop hepatitis and pneumonia. Complications include endocarditis and post–Q fever fatigue syndrome.
Who is at risk?
Q fever vaccine is recommended for adolescents aged ≥15 years and adults who are at risk of infection including:
- 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.
What does vaccination involve?
People should have both serological and skin tests before vaccination.
Q fever vaccine is given as a single dose. Booster doses are not recommended.
Dr Julie Blaze and Dr Berlinda Png have done additional training in this area and can assist with the initial consultation, including the skin test and CFT antibody test, as well as the follow up consultation 7 days later +/- Q fever vaccine.
To make an appointment, please call the practice on 4284 4622 so that both the initial and subsequent consultation can be booked.