Q Fever Vaccinations (Q-VAX)
Q Fever Vaccine Clinic Narangba
Bookings must be made with Dr Alexander Browne who is accredited to administer the Q Fever vaccination.
Q Fever is a bacterial infection spread from animals to people, mainly through breathing in contaminated dust. Recommended for adolescents over the age of 15 years and adults who are at risk of infection, while Q fever can affect anyone, farmers, meat workers, vets and people who work closely with cattle, sheep or goats face the highest risk. At Narangba Station Medical Centre, we are fully qualified and regularly provide Q fever screening and vaccinations for people within these occupations across Narangba and the surrounding suburbs North Brisbane suburbs.
Please Note: The process for administering Q Fever vaccinations works differently to most other vaccines. Before you can receive your Q-VAX, you will first need a blood test and a skin test to check to ensure that you haven't been exposed before. Our GPs manage this process from your first screening appointment through to your vaccination day, so you know exactly what to expect at each step.
Book your Q Fever Screening today
Your first step is a screening appointment, not the vaccine itself. To book your consultation, call us on (07) 3521 4333, click below to book via our online portal, or download the AutoMed app.
We serve patients right across Brisbane North including Narangba, North Lakes, Dakabin, Caboolture, Moorina, Burpengary and surrounding suburbs. Protect your health and book your consultation today.
Opening Hours
We're open 7 days a week with late-night availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekend appointments are also available to all patients.
Protect against Q Fever
If your work brings you into contact with cattle, sheep or goats, Q fever vaccination is worth discussing with your doctor. This includes veterinarians, pet food manufacturer workers and wildlife workers with high-risk animals including kangaroos. Book a screening consultation with our GPs today.
Who is at risk of Q Fever?
Q fever mainly affects people who work closely with livestock or animal by-products with the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommending vaccination for people aged 15 and over in these occupations:
- Farmers and farm workers
- Abattoir and meatworks employees
- Veterinarians and veterinary nurses
- Shearers and wool handlers
- Stockyard and saleyard workers
- Livestock transporters
- Dairy workers
- Anyone regularly exposed to birthing animals or animal products
If you're starting a new role in a high-risk industry:
- Book your screening appointment as early as possible.
- Avoid high-risk environments, such as abattoirs or saleyards, until you're fully protected.
- Bring any past Q fever vaccination or infection records to your appointment.
- Check with your employer whether proof of vaccination is required.
How is Q Fever spread?
Q fever mostly spreads from animals to people and, unlike many vaccine-preventable diseases, it rarely spreads between people. The main source of Q Fever spreading is through cattle, sheep and goats although some wildlife such as kangaroos and bandicoots can also carry it.
Typically, Q Fever spreads through one of the following methods:
Airborne Dust & Aerosols
The bacteria survive in soil, birth fluids, urine and faeces. Once these dry out, the bacteria become part of the dust and can travel long distances on the wind.
Direct Animal Contact
Handling wool, hides or birth products from infected animals can also spread the infection, particularly through broken skin.
Tick Bites
Ticks can carry Q fever bacteria, though this is a much rarer route than airborne dust.
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Q Fever Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear two to three weeks after exposure. About half of people infected show no symptoms at all. However, some people may experience:
- Sudden high fever, sometimes up to 41°C
- Chills or heavy sweating
- Severe headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Nausea or loss of appetite
In more severe cases, Q fever can lead to pneumonia or hepatitis. If you've recently worked with livestock and develop these symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.
Long-Term Complications
Most people who contract or are infected with Q Fever recover fully with rest and antibiotics. In a small number of cases, the following long-term complications can develop:
- Chronic Q Fever: This affects fewer than 5 in 100 people and can develop months or years after the first infection requiring long-term treatment.
- Q Fever Fatigue Syndrome: Ongoing tiredness and reduced quality of life that can last long after the infection clears.
- Endocarditis: People with existing heart valve conditions face a higher risk of the infection affecting the heart.
- Pregnancy Complications: Q fever during pregnancy can affect both mother and baby.
Vaccination Process
Being vaccinated for Q Fever happens over two seperate visits. This is because people who've already been exposed to Q fever can react badly to the vaccine and so everyone needs screening first. Please allow at least one to two weeks from your first appointment to full protection. If you're starting a new role, book well ahead of your start date
The typical process for receiving your Q Fever vaccination is:
Step 1: First Screening
During your initial appointment, your doctor takes a full medical and occupational history, then arranges a blood test and a skin test. Both are usually done on the same day.
Step 2: Results Reading
The skin test needs seven days to develop. You'll return so your doctor can read the result alongside your blood test. Some redness at the skin test site during this week is common and usually settles by day seven.
Step 3: Vaccination
If both tests are clear, you'll receive the Q-VAX vaccine as a single injection. If either test shows previous exposure, your doctor will explain why vaccination is not recommended.
Q Fever Vaccination Side Effects
The Q fever vaccine is generally well tolerated by most people and severe reactions are rare.
Some people experience:
- Soreness
- Redness
- Small lump at the injection site
- Headache
- Mild fever or flu-like symptoms
- A skin reaction at the earlier skin test site
Typically, any symptoms resolve within a few days to one week. Please contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual after vaccination.
Q Fever Vaccination Fees
Q fever vaccination is not part of the National Immunisation Program and is currently not routinely government funded.
Your initial consultation falls within our standard consultation fees. During this, your doctor will discuss and clearly explain the cost of screening tests, blood tests and follow up appointments. Your doctor needs to assess your suitability before vaccination, which is why an initial screening consultation is required.
Some employers may arrange and cover this cost for staff, so it's worth checking with your employer first. The process is quick, convenient, and tailored to your schedule. Book your consultation today by calling NSMC on (07) 3521 4333 or booking online.
For a full overview of our current fees, visit our Fees page.
Why Choose NSMC?
Conveniently located next to Narangba Train Station, NSMC combines accessibility, affordability and quality medical care for North Brisbane residents and animal workers. Our experienced team, including Dr Alexander Browne who is qualified to administer Q Fever vaccines will manage the process seamlessly from start to finish. In addition, all patients also benefit from on-site blood tests, free parking and a nearby pharmacy which reduces any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about Q fever vaccination in North Brisbane? Here are the most commonly asked questions our GPs and qualified vaccine administers receive.
Contact & Bookings
To make an appointment, please call reception or use our online booking system via the button below. You can also visit our contact page to see further details about our location and directions.
Bookings are available from as early as 7AM on weekdays and Saturday. We are also open Sunday afternoon and late evening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8:30PM.Â
Can't find us? - Narangba Station Medical Centre is situated across the road from Narangba Train Station within the Narangba Village shopping complex. Look for signs for Narangba Station Medical Centre and IGA. We have free on-site parking outside the practice with plenty of free overflow parking also available nearby.
Serving patients in Narangba, Burpengary, Dakabin, Deception Bay, Morayfield, North Lakes and North Brisbane surrounds