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Vaccination against cu fever
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Q fever is a zoonosis, common mainly in cattle-breeding regions. It is caused by Coxiella burnetii, which belongs to the γ-subgroup of Proteobacteria. Humans become infected through contact with animals and drinking milk. Vaccination against Q fever is given to people at risk aged 14 to 60 years.
Vaccination against Q fever is carried out using the Q fever vaccine - M-44 live dry cutaneous, Russia - a lyophilized suspension of a live culture of the attenuated strain M-44 Coxiella burnetii, expressed in the yolk sacs of chicken embryos. Release form: set - ampoule of 0.5 ml (10 doses) + 1 ampoule of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Packaging 5 sets.
Reaction to administration and contraindications
On the 2nd-3rd day, a one-day malaise, chills, headache and temperature up to 37.5° are possible. Local reaction (at least in 90% of those vaccinated): redness and nodular swelling along the incisions lasting 3-4 days.
In addition to the general contraindications for live vaccines, the following are contraindications:
- allergic diseases (according to anamnesis): bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, hay fever, allergy to chicken protein;
- chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract and lungs;
- systemic connective tissue diseases;
Vaccination against Q fever is carried out no earlier than one month after the introduction of other vaccines. Simultaneous introduction with the brucellosis vaccine is possible.
Vaccination schedule
It is administered once, cutaneously by scarification method through 2 drops (0.05 ml) of diluted vaccine at a distance of 30-40 mm on the outer surface of the middle third of the shoulder. Three cross-shaped notches 8-10 mm long are made at a distance of 3-4 mm from each other with rubbing into the notches. Revaccination is carried out with the same dose not earlier than 1 year after primary vaccination to persons whose serum does not contain specific complement-binding antibodies.
A single administration of the vaccine is accompanied by the development of specific immunity 3-4 weeks after vaccination, lasting at least 1 year.
Store at 2-10°, shelf life is 2 years.