Q Fever Vaccination Service Information
The Hunter Area Pathology Service has provided a Q Fever vaccination service since October 1995. Since commencement, more than 4,500 people have attended the clinics. The program has provided evidence of considerable previous Q fever exposure amongst a wide variety of rural occupations including farmers, stockmen, vets, across all age groups, males and females. Prevalence of Q fever reactivity on blood or skin testing has varied from 20-35% across these different groups. When questioned, many of these people recall past illness that may have been caused by Q fever. The service is managed by the Division of Microbiology, Dr John Ferguson , and Clinical Nurse Consultant, Sr Marie Caslick, Murrurundi.
The cost of vaccination now has to be met by the client or their employer. The modest cost is not refundable under medicare, however the cost of vaccination can usually be claimed as a work-related expense for income tax return purposes. For information about charges, please contact tel. +61 2 49214444.
At the first visit, blood for Q fever serology is taken and an intradermal skin test is administered. At the second visit, the skin test is read and clients who show negative results for skin and serology tests are then offered vaccination.
Clinics are conducted regularly at the John Hunter/RNC Hospital medical outpatients, Newcastle, Australia (see below). Ad hoc clinics can be set up if required at offsite locations (usually where more than 10 people need to be vaccinated). Vaccination can be provided to international clients- please contact Dr Ferguson by email.
NB: Children under 16 years of age cannot be screened or vaccinated.
Day/Time:
Clinics for 2008:
Clinics are held on Fridays at 12 noon. Patients receiving the vaccination are required to attend consecutive Fridays as set out below for 2008:
| January 25th & February 1st |
| March 7th & 14th |
| May 16th & 23rd |
| June 13th & 20th |
| August 15th & 22nd |
| September 19th & 26th |
| October 17th & 24th |
| November 14th & 21st |
Time: from 12 noon
Appointment must be made by contacting the Clinic (02 49223446)
Venue Location:
North Block, Outpatients ClinicRoyal Newcastle Centre John Hunter Hospital Local Contact:
Clinical Immunology & Infectious Diseases Unit
Royal Newcastle Centre
New Lambton, NSW, Australia
Phone: 02 49223446Facsimile: 02 49223428Further information on planned Q Fever Vaccination Clinics in other Hunter locations may be obtained from the vaccination coordinator. Further Information:
Download 
q fever brochure 2007.pdfDownload CSL Information Leaflet.pdf