Is the Q fever vaccine mandatory?
Vaccination for Q fever is not mandatory under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (‘the Act’). The Act requires employers to provide a safe system of work, as far as practicable, and ensure employees are not exposed to hazards. WorkSafe’s policy on Q fever is that, for employees working with livestock, a safe system of work must be provided, as far as practicable, so that they are not exposed to the hazard of Q fever. Vaccination is recognised as a very effective means of prevention and is therefore the preferred primary method of control. Exposed employees should be tested for immunity and if not immune proceed to vaccination. Other measures which can be taken to help prevent workers from contracting Q fever include: • using face masks where appropriate and practicable; • minimising exposure to pregnant animals and reproductive tissues and fluids; • allocating lower risk work tasks to those at risk of Q fever; • educating staff on the transmission of Q fever, and to look out
