Q fever, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is an infection transmitted from animals to humans.
The most common routes of infection are through breathing in contaminated air or dust, particularly in environments where animals, mainly cattle, sheep and goats, are present.
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 an infectious disease that is spread from animals to humans, and evidence of human-to-human transmission.
It can cause acute conditions like pneumonia and hepatitis, long-term complications like endocarditis, chronic fatigue and vascular infections specifically for immunocompromised individuals.
People who work with animals, particularly cattle, sheep and goats, or animal products are at a higher risk of Q fever.
Early diagnosed Q fever can betreated with antibiotics.
There is an effective vaccine that can protect you against Q fever.
You must be tested for the Q fever immunity before receiving the vaccine.
For more information on the disease and Q fever vaccination, visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/q-fever#bhc-content
Contact your GP (local doctor) to discuss the Q fever vaccine and to find a provider.
See the list of Q fever vaccination providers in Loddon Mallee region on this webpage below.
For Q fever vaccine recommendations, pre-vaccination screening, efficacy and safety of the vaccination, visit: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/q-fever-vaccination
Fine the Australian Immunisation Handbook at https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/q-fever
For new providers: Clinics wanting to be added to the list of Victorian Q fever vaccine providers, should complete the following form and submit to [email protected].
Find the form here: Q fever provider vaccination form docx 93.37 KB
CSL Limited have developed a guide for immunisation providers with tips and advice on establishing and conducting Q fever vaccination clinics. It also provides advice on how these clinics may be further improved or expanded. You will need to log in or register to access these resources.
The Q fever skin test and vaccine are not funded under the National Immunisation Program. Speak to your doctor or employer about the costs involved. Costs are also tax deductible for most at-risk occupations (see ATO Office advisory for further information).
From 15 April 2024, Q fever vaccination (QVAX) records are stored on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Vaccination providers can also report natural immunity information to the AIR.
The Australian Q Fever Register will store historical records on the Q fever immune status of individuals until 30 June, 2025 (it commenced full national coverage on 1 July, 2002). Individuals can take their Q fever vaccination evidence (Q fever eStatement) to an immunisation provider in Australia and request their vaccinations be reported to the AIR.
How to identify, manage, reduce or eliminate the risks of Q fever transmission in high-risk jobs, workplaces and industries: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/q-fever-prevention
Attach downloadable factsheet: https://content-v2.api.worksafe.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-06/ISBN-Q-fever-prevention-01-01-2015.pdf
| Name of the provider | Contact details | Accepting new patients | Additional information |
| Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice | (03) 5480 6001 | No | |
| Rich River Health Group, Echuca | (03) 5480 6700 | Yes | |
| Dove Medical Centre, Echuca | (03) 4411 7855 | Yes | |
| Swan Hill Primary Health Centre | (03) 5033 9900 | Yes | |
| Onyx Medical Centre, Mildura | (03) 5022 9104 | Yes | |
| Deakin Medical Centre, Mildura | (03) 5022 1488 | Yes | Only taking new patients after March 2025. |
| Irymple Medical Centre | (03) 5024 5746 | Yes | |
| Charlton Medical | (03) 5477 6888 | Yes | Only taking new patients from February 2025. |
| Kyneton Medical Centre | (03) 5422 1397 | Yes | |
| Romsey Medical Centre | (03) 5429 5254 | Yes | |
| Brooke Street Medical Centre, Woodend | (03) 5427 1002 | Yes | |
| White Hills Medical Practice | (03) 5442 3761 | Yes | |
| Marong Medical Practice | (03) 5435 2266 | ||
| Lucan St. Medical, Bendigo | (03) 4416 1044 | Yes | |
| Heathcote Primary Health | (03) 5431 0888 | Yes |
Note: Vaccination against this disease is not funded under the National Immunisation Program, nor by states and territories.
Speak to your doctor or employer about the costs involved. Costs are also tax deductible for most at-risk occupations (see ATO Office advisory for further information).
To speak to the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit please call 1800 959 400or email [email protected]