3/120 Woogaroo St, Forest Lake QLD 4078
Prevention with Q Fever Vaccination
Australia has a safe and effective vaccine available to protect against Q fever.
The Q-VAX® vaccine is strongly recommended for people who work in, or are likely to enter, high-risk occupations. It is also suitable for anyone aged 15 years and over who may be exposed to Q fever through their environment or lifestyle.
Before vaccination, all individuals must undergo a pre-
vaccination screening process, which includes both a blood test and a skin test. This ensures you have not been previously exposed to Q fever, as the vaccine should not be given to those who have already had the infection.
Seven days after the skin test, a doctor will review the results alongside the blood test. Based on these results, the doctor will confirm whether you are eligible for vaccination.
Please note: The Q fever vaccine can only be given to people aged 15 years and older.
What is Q fever?
Q Fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. This bacterium can be carried by a wide range of animals, both domestic and feral, as well as by ticks.
Symptoms of Q Fever
Most people who develop Q fever start to show symptoms 2–3 weeks after exposure. The illness can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, people may not experience any symptoms at all.
Common symptoms include:
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Sudden onset of high fever (lasting 5–50 days)
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Chills and profuse sweating
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Severe headache
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Muscle and joint pain
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Extreme tiredness and weakness
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Nausea and sometimes vomiting
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Sensitivity to light
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Weight loss
Ongoing or chronic symptoms:
In most cases, Q fever lasts 2–6 weeks. However, some people may develop long-lasting effects, such as:
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Persistent fatigue
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Ongoing headaches and muscle aches
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Sweating attacks (months or even years after infection)
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Rarely, inflammation of the heart (endocarditis) or liver (hepatitis)
Because these symptoms are similar to other illnesses (such as influenza), Q fever can sometimes be difficult to diagnose without testing.
How does Q Fever spread?
Humans are usually infected through direct or indirect contact with animals, their products, or contaminated materials. The most common route of transmission is inhaling airborne particles, such as dust contaminated with the bacterium. Infection can also occur through contact with milk, meat, wool, or, most significantly, birthing fluids and products.
Q Fever is highly infectious — even a single bacterium can cause illness. Cattle, sheep, and goats are the primary sources of human infection, but other animals such as kangaroos, camels, cats, and dogs can also carry the disease.
ABOUT US
At Horizon Q Fever Vaccine Clinic, we have been providing Q fever vaccinations to individuals and large organisations for many years. Our goal is to make the vaccination process simple, safe, and accessible for everyone across Queensland.
Our team of experienced General Practitioners (GPs) and qualified nurses work together to ensure every vaccination is delivered with the highest standard of care. Each step — from screening to vaccination — is overseen by our doctors, ensuring accuracy, safety, and peace of mind for every patient.
In addition to our in-clinic services, we also offer onsite Q fever vaccinations for businesses or groups requiring 30 or more vaccinations. This option is perfect for workplaces wanting to protect their staff efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Whether you’re an individual seeking protection or an organisation arranging vaccinations for your team, our experienced medical staff provide a smooth, professional, and reliable service from start to finish.
Trusted provider of
Q fever vaccines
Open 7 days
a week
Short waiting
times
No appointment needed