Q fever vaccine - common questions
State and Territory information:
Question and answer fact sheet about Q fever vaccine, including accessing supplies.
Who does Q fever affect?
How was the shortage of Q fever vaccine caused?
Why did CSL cease manufacture of Q fever vaccine?
When will more doses of Q fever vaccine be available?
What is the current rationing strategy for Q fever?
When will Q fever vaccine run out?
Why doesn’t the government buy Q fever vaccine from another manufacturer?
What is the Government doing to ensure this does not happen in the future?
How many doctors are affected by this shortage?
Will vaccine supplies be affected in those States that have extended the National Q Fever Management Program?
How will vaccine be allocated across Australia?
How does CSL’s decision affect vaccine supply for the private market?
How does a doctor or patient access vaccine during the shortage?
More information
Who does Q fever affect?
Q fever is primarily an occupational disease of workers from the meat and livestock industries. A new worker in the meat processing or livestock industry may be particularly at risk as they may not have had previous exposure to the disease from infected animals. Other people at risk of infection include sheep, dairy and cattle livestock farmers, dairy workers, veterinarians, pelt and hide tanners, and shearers.How was the shortage of Q fever vaccine caused?
On 11 November 2005 CSL Ltd announced it was ceasing production of a number of bacterial vaccines and injectable antibiotic products, including Q fever vaccine. After intervention by the Australian Government, CSL announced on 1 December 2005 its intention to maintain supply of Q fever vaccine until long term options for production were developed.The current shortage has occurred because CSL is in the process of improving its manufacturing facilities at its Melbourne site and is unable to manufacture further supplies of Q fever vaccine before March 2007.
The Australian Government has commenced a process to find alternative arrangements for the supply of Q fever vaccine.
Why did CSL cease manufacture of Q fever vaccine?
CSL announced in November last year that it would cease producing Q Fever vaccine on economic grounds and that it has decided to concentrate on the commercial priorities of influenza vaccine, research and development for biotechnology, and 'public interest products' such as antivenoms and antitoxins.When will more doses of Q fever vaccine be available?
CSL has advised the Australian Government that it expects to release another 12,000 doses of Q fever vaccine in March 2007 and a further 12,000 doses are expected to be released in March 2008.What is the current rationing strategy for Q fever?
Based on Q fever expert, Professor Barry Marmion’s advice, CSL has restricted vaccine supply to the highest risk group for catching Q fever.This group is abattoir workers (including meat inspectors) and trades on abattoir campuses, or any other person visiting abattoirs.
The other risk groups covered in the National Q Fever Management Program were considered to be at medium or lower risk that the abattoir workers for catching Q fever.
When will Q fever vaccine run out?
This is not exactly known. Originally it was estimated that vaccine could run out as early as June or July 2006, with no further doses of vaccine available until March 2007.However, CSL have now indicated that, using the current rationing strategy, vaccine stocks will last longer.
However, under the current rationing strategy most groups eligible for vaccine under the National Q Fever Management Program are not able to access Q fever vaccine.
Why doesn’t the government buy Q fever vaccine from another manufacturer?
Currently CSL is the only manufacturer of Q fever vaccine in the world. There are currently no alternative sources of Q fever vaccine.What is the Government doing to ensure this does not happen in the future?
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing is undertaking an urgent national and international tender process to secure ongoing supply of the vaccine. However, it is not expected that a new supplier will become available to manufacture vaccine in time to prevent the anticipated shortage.How many doctors are affected by this shortage?
Not all doctors are affected by the Q fever vaccine shortage. Q fever vaccine is only administered by specially trained doctors. Most specially trained vaccine service providers work in rural and regional areas, particularly in the six States of Australia. Q fever cases are rare in the Northern Territory and the ACT.Will vaccine supplies be affected in those States that have extended the National Q Fever Management Program?
Yes, however the Australian Government is working with CSL and State health departments to ensure the equitable management and distribution of supplies across Australia. It is likely that rationing of vaccine to the highest priority groups will be required, including in those States still running the Program.How will vaccine be allocated across Australia?
CSL Ltd will manage distribution of remaining stocks of vaccine on the basis of historical usage of the vaccine in States and Territories.How does CSL’s decision affect vaccine supply for the private market?
CSL has decided to carefully distribute the remaining stocks of Q fever vaccine according to risk group priorities. It will distribute vaccine directly to vaccine service providers and will not be supplying medical or surgical wholesalers.How does a doctor or patient access vaccine during the shortage?
Doctors in any of the States still running the Program should contact their State health department (see phone numbers below). Doctors in all other States and Territories should contact CSL direct on the phone number listed below. Patients can call the Q fever register (1300 733 837) to find out their closest Q fever vaccine service provider. Inquires should only be made to State health departments or CSL if the patient is eligible for rationed Q fever vaccine under the guidelines issued by CSL.More information:
CSL : 1800 008 275
VIC : 1300 882 008
SA : (08) 8226 7177
QLD: (07) 3234 1155
Page last modified: 06 April, 2006