NSW pharmacists are not authorised to give the Q fever vaccine, so Your Community Pharmacy does not offer it. It is given by a GP or another trained provider, and only after pre-vaccination screening, because people who are already immune can react badly to the vaccine. Below we cover who is at risk, how the process works and what the pharmacist in Newport can do while you arrange it.
What Q fever is
Q fever is a bacterial infection that spreads from animals to people, mainly through breathing in contaminated dust. People usually catch it from cattle, sheep and goats, and kangaroos and camels can also carry it. Most people recover with antibiotics, but some develop pneumonia, hepatitis or a long-lasting form of the infection. Avoid unpasteurised milk, which can also spread it.
Who should consider the Q fever vaccine
The Immunisation Handbook recommends the vaccine for people aged 15 or over who are at risk and have not had Q fever or the vaccine before. Groups at risk include:
- abattoir workers, farmers, stockyard workers and shearers
- animal transporters
- veterinarians, vet nurses and other animal health workers
- wildlife and zoo workers
- laboratory staff working with the bacterium
Pregnant women, children under 15 and people with weakened immune systems should get specialist advice first.
Screening first, then one injection
The NSW Health fact sheet sets out the process:
- A discussion with your doctor about any past Q fever infection or vaccination.
- A blood test and a skin test to check for existing immunity; both are needed.
- A return visit about 7 days later so the doctor can read the skin test.
- If both results are clear, a single injection in the upper arm.
Protection starts 15 days after vaccination. Booster doses of Q fever vaccine are not recommended. Only experienced providers do the skin testing, so ask your GP practice whether it offers Q fever screening before you book.
What it costs
Q fever vaccine and skin testing are not government funded, according to NSW Health. The costs may be tax deductible for people in eligible occupations, so keep your receipts. Ask the GP practice for its fees when booking.
How Your Community Pharmacy can help
The pharmacist cannot screen you or give this vaccine, but can still help:
- answer questions about Q fever risk and point you to your GP for screening
- give other vaccines through our walk-in vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine and whooping cough (dTpa), which also covers tetanus
- give the rabies vaccine to wildlife workers who handle bats
- give the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, which NSW funds for people who live or work in listed areas of inland and northern NSW
- dispense antibiotics or other medicines your doctor prescribes, with free local delivery if we deliver to your address
If you work with animals and develop a fever or flu-like illness, see your doctor promptly and say that you are at risk of Q fever.
Common questions
Can a pharmacist give me Q fever vaccination?
Not in NSW. Pharmacists here are not authorised to give it, so screening and vaccination happen through a GP or other trained provider.
Why do I need a skin test and a blood test first?
They show whether you are already immune. People with past exposure can have serious reactions to the vaccine, and both tests are needed to pick up the different types of immunity.
How soon can I start work with animals after the injection?
NSW Health advises waiting 15 days after vaccination before working in high-risk areas.
Where can I find out about your other services?
Our health services page lists them, the FAQs answer common questions, and you can contact us by phone or email.