For people at risk through their work with animals. The most important thing to know: you can't just book the vaccine — everyone needs a screening test first, for safety.
📋 Sources:Australian Immunisation Handbook — Q fever; National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS); NSW Health and Victorian Department of Health Q fever vaccination information; Australian Q Fever Register. Verified June 2026. This page is general health information, not medical advice. Whether Q fever vaccination is right for you — and the screening that goes with it — is a decision for you and your doctor.
Screening comes first — always. Before the Q fever vaccine you must have a blood test and a skin test, and both must be negative. People who have already been exposed to Q fever (sometimes without ever feeling sick) can have a serious reaction to the vaccine. Your doctor arranges and reads these tests — the vaccine is only given once both are clear.
Could the Q fever vaccine apply to me?
Tap what best describes you — this points you to the next step, not a decision.
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Abattoir and meat-industry work is a recognised high-risk group. Next step: talk to your GP (or your employer’s arranged provider) about pre-vaccination screening. Many employers organise and fund this for staff.
Farmers, livestock workers, stockyard workers and shearers are a recognised at-risk group. Next step: see your GP to start pre-vaccination screening (blood test and skin test) before any vaccine.
Veterinarians, vet nurses and others working closely with animals are a recognised at-risk group. Next step: see your GP about pre-vaccination screening.
People living in the same household as an at-risk worker, or on a farm, can also be exposed. Next step: discuss your situation and pre-vaccination screening with your GP.
Important: if you’ve had Q fever infection or the Q fever vaccine before, you should generally not be vaccinated again — a repeat dose can cause a serious reaction. Don’t arrange screening or vaccination on your own. Take your records to your GP, who will check the Australian Q Fever Register and advise.
What is Q fever?
Q fever is an illness caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, spread to people mainly from cattle, sheep and goats (and many other animals) through breathing in dust or droplets. It can cause a severe flu-like illness, and sometimes long-term fatigue or heart complications. Hundreds of cases are reported in Australia each year, mostly in NSW and Queensland.
The screening & vaccination process
Because of the safety step, getting the Q fever vaccine takes more than one visit:
1. Talk to your doctor — about any past Q fever illness or vaccination.
2. Two tests — a blood test and a skin test (these can be done the same day).
3. Read the skin test after 7 days — you return so your doctor can check it.
4. Vaccination only if both tests are negative — a single injection. If either test is positive, you’re not vaccinated, because you’ve likely already been exposed.
The testing and its interpretation are done by your doctor — this isn’t something to self-assess. The vaccine is for people aged 15 and over, and isn’t given in pregnancy.
💰 What does it cost?
Q fever vaccination is not on the National Immunisation Program, so it isn’t routinely free. For many workers it’s arranged and funded by the employer; otherwise it’s a private cost covering the screening tests, consultations and vaccine. Ask your GP or employer. Your vaccination is recorded on the Australian Q Fever Register, which employers often check.
Good to know
What to expect after the vaccine
A single injection gives long-lasting protection (at least 5 years; no routine booster). Common reactions include soreness, redness or a lump at the injection site, and sometimes mild flu-like symptoms, headache or fever for a few days. Minor skin reactions are also common 3–4 days after the skin test and usually settle by day 7. The vaccine cannot give you Q fever.
Supply note
Supply of the Q-VAX vaccine and skin test can be limited at times (the manufacturer reported skin-test supply delays in early 2026). It’s worth asking your provider about availability when you book, as the vaccine and skin test may need to be ordered in.
A note on eggs
The vaccine is made using hens’ eggs and may contain egg proteins. Tell your doctor if you have an egg allergy so they can advise.