Q Fever                                   

 
 Q Fever is an infectious disease that can cause severe illness in some people. 
 People usually get Q Fever from farm animals (cattle, sheep and goats). Other animals may also be infected 
including wildlife and even dogs and cats.  
 People who work with or near animals are most at risk of getting Q Fever, and particularly people working 
at animal processing plants or working with animals around birthing time. 
 Anyone at risk of exposure to Q Fever should have a test to see if they are protected from the disease. 
Protection 
 Individuals may be immune to Q Fever and cannot get the disease if they have ever been vaccinated with 
the Q Fever vaccine; or previously infected with Q Fever. 
Q Fever and the Workplace 
 Employers will want to make sure employees or contractors are protected from Q Fever before visiting the 
workplace to commence t work. 
 People working in high risk areas should be tested and vaccinated (if appropriate) to ensure protection 
against Q Fever in the workplace. 

CONSULTATION PROCESS:

The overview below highlights the important steps in the vaccination process:

1.  INITALLY WE NEED TO CHECK – if an Individual seeking vaccination has already been vaccinated.

• Ask the individual to logon to the Australian Q Fever Register (www.qfever.org) or call on 1300 733 837 (1300 QFEVER).

2. DR THEN DISCUSSES THE FOLLOWING TESTS – for previous exposure or vaccination.

• Blood test – CFT antibody test.
• Skin test – intradermal hypersensitivity test.

3. VACCINATE-   IF THE TESTS COME BACK NEGATIVE

Seven (7) days after initial tests, if both tests are negative and there are no other contraindications (e.g. allergy to eggs or the patient is a child), vaccinate.

Explain possible side effects of vaccination and inform patient that it takes at least two (2) weeks for the vaccine to be effective and the patient should not expose themselves to any risks until after this period.

4. OFFER TO REGISTER YOUR QFEVER STATUS 

The patient may choose to record their Q Fever immune status on the Q Fever Register. This is voluntary.

Information courtesy : https://www.qfever.org/