PREVENTION

The best prevention is vaccination with Q-VAX®

Vaccination is recommended for anyone 15+ years old at risk of exposure through their occupation [19]. This is particularly important for veterinary nurses.

Since the introduction of the vaccination, the rates of Q fever infection have dropped significantly.

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VACCINATION PROTOCOL

Q-VAX® has been licensed for use in Australia since 1989 [20]. Q-VAX® is a killed vaccine [19], and as such, it is essential that you discuss with your doctor as to whether vaccination is appropriate for you.

Before you are vaccinated, your doctor will perform two tests [19]:

A skin test – a small injection (0.1 mL) of the vaccine in your arm
A blood test – laboratory examination for the presence of antibodies against C. burnetii.

The results of both tests are checked a week later by your doctor.

A positive skin test (raised lump at the site of injection) and/or a positive blood test mean that you are immune to
Q-Fever [19]. Therefore, you do not require the vaccine.
If both tests are negative, vaccination is indicated. Only one vaccination is needed for lifelong immunity. However, at least 2 weeks is recommended to ensure vaccination is successful.

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After you HAVE BEEN VACCINATED

We recommend registering your vaccination status on the Q Fever Register. This register documents your Q fever status and provides a card which may be requested by employers in industries with a risk of Q fever [21].

Listen to a Vet describe a Q fever outbreak at her veterinary clinic.

The two individuals infected were not vaccinated against Q fever. As the vet suggests, Q fever is worth a shot!

[7]

What IF you cannot be vaccinated?

Vaccination is not recommended if you are [19]:

Already vaccinated against or have previously been exposed to Q fever
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Allergic to products within the vaccination - e.g. eggs

ALTERNATIVE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

[20]

1)

Wearing gloves and washing hands and arms with soap and warm water after handling animals or carcasses

3)

Disposing of animal products and tissues safely.

2)

Improving ventilation and wearing disposable P2 face masks to reduce risk of spread.

4)

Keeping the worksite clean of animal body fluids. We recommend using low pressure water systems to minimise aerosolising materials.

Note: These are basic infection control procedures and hence, they are not an effective substitute

for protection compared to the Q fever vaccination.