Q fever
Q fever is an illness caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetti which can produce a flu like illness lasting weeks. Some people are left with chronic health complications or chronic fatigue like symptoms which can be debilitating for years. The bacteria is spread through inhalation of aerosols contaminated by excretions from infected animals. Cattle, sheep and goats are the main sources of infection however a wide range of animals can spread the bacteria to humans. The bacteria can also survive in soil and dust for years and spread long distances in the wind.
Certain occupations are considered at risk of Q fever infection including abattoir workers, farm workers, veterinarians, wildlife workers, animal breeders, council workers and lawn mowers horticulturalists & gardeners working regionally or rurally. Family members of these workers may also be at risk as well as any people living in proximity to some of these industries.
There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent Q fever. It is recommended to all persons 15 years or older who are at risk of infection with Coxiella burnetti. It is not given to people who have previously been infected with Coxiella burnetti or previously vaccinated against. Pre vaccination testing is routinely performed and includes a history, blood test and skin prick test at your first appointment. The blood and skin prick tests are interpreted at a second appointment 7 days later and the vaccination given if appropriate.
Q fever resources:
NSW Health Q fever fact sheet
Australian Immunisation Handbook - Q fever
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection of the liver. Plumbers, sewage worker, early childhood educators and carers of people with developmental disabilities are recommended to receive hepatitis A vaccines. It is given as a 2 dose schedule, 6 months a part.
Hepatitis A resources:
Australian Immunisation Handbook - Hepatitis A
Q fever is an illness caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetti which can produce a flu like illness lasting weeks. Some people are left with chronic health complications or chronic fatigue like symptoms which can be debilitating for years. The bacteria is spread through inhalation of aerosols contaminated by excretions from infected animals. Cattle, sheep and goats are the main sources of infection however a wide range of animals can spread the bacteria to humans. The bacteria can also survive in soil and dust for years and spread long distances in the wind.
Certain occupations are considered at risk of Q fever infection including abattoir workers, farm workers, veterinarians, wildlife workers, animal breeders, council workers and lawn mowers horticulturalists & gardeners working regionally or rurally. Family members of these workers may also be at risk as well as any people living in proximity to some of these industries.
There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent Q fever. It is recommended to all persons 15 years or older who are at risk of infection with Coxiella burnetti. It is not given to people who have previously been infected with Coxiella burnetti or previously vaccinated against. Pre vaccination testing is routinely performed and includes a history, blood test and skin prick test at your first appointment. The blood and skin prick tests are interpreted at a second appointment 7 days later and the vaccination given if appropriate.
Q fever resources:
NSW Health Q fever fact sheet
Australian Immunisation Handbook - Q fever
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection of the liver. Plumbers, sewage worker, early childhood educators and carers of people with developmental disabilities are recommended to receive hepatitis A vaccines. It is given as a 2 dose schedule, 6 months a part.
Hepatitis A resources:
Australian Immunisation Handbook - Hepatitis A
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