Antivenoms and Q Fever Vaccines

Products of National Significance ANTIVENOMS & Q FEVER

Our aim is to support public health by providing medical solutions that help to protect the Australian population from potentially deadly bites, stings and infections.

CSL Seqirus has an agreement with the Australian Government leveraging our deep expertise to support Australia’s biosecurity strategy. This involves the onshore manufacture and supply of a unique range of products made in the national interest. The availability of these products maintains Australia’s high standards for responding to venomous bites and stings, and the prevention of infectious diseases that threaten the health and economy of our country. CSL Seqirus is the sole provider of the Q fever vaccine and Australian antivenoms for human use. We work in partnership with experts and organisations to educate the public and help to reduce the burden experienced by patients. Learn more below.

Q fever

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. The bacterium is transmitted to humans by direct and indirect contact with infected animals (most commonly cattle, sheep and goats), animal products or contaminated material. The illness in humans is usually flu-like but without appropriate treatment may sometimes have serious and long-lasting consequences.¹

Q fever vaccine

CSL Seqirus is the world’s only manufacturer of Q fever vaccine for human use.² We are committed to the prevention of this nationally notifiable disease through public education programs and strategies, working in partnership with healthcare professionals (HCPs), employer groups and other dedicated organisations to help reduce the burden of this disease.

Q Fever Facts - for the general public

Read stories from real patients who talk about the impact of Q fever and the challenges they faced when gaining a diagnosis whilst experiencing Q fever. Q fever Facts is an important online resource that can be easily shared to educate Australians about Q fever via a link, newsletters and social media channels.

Learn more at Q Fever Facts

Q Fever Facts - for healthcare professionals

This dedicated online resource for healthcare professionals has been developed with experts to support the education, diagnosis and management of Q fever. This resource aims to improve the understanding of who is at risk of contracting Q fever and how to implement preventative measures. Registration requires an AHPRA number and provides access to expert commentary, case studies, podcasts and downloadable education materials and clinic support materials to share with patients.

Learn more at Q Fever Facts

Australian Bites & Stings

Australia is home to some of the most venomous snakes, spiders and marine creatures in the world.³ The risk of death by venomous bites and stings was significant in Australia before the availability of timely emergency treatment and awareness of the appropriate application of first aid.⁴

The ‘Making of Antivenoms’

CSL Seqirus, and our parent company CSL, has been pioneering antivenom solutions since the 1930s to meet a uniquely Australian challenge. As the only company in the world with the unique expertise to manufacture antivenoms onshore for Australia’s most venomous creatures, we work with partners to help protect Australians when they need it most.

Learn more and watch the documentary (11 minutes)

Free smart phone app

CSL Seqirus has partnered with experts to provide information about snakes, spiders and marine creatures, and the latest first aid guidance for venomous bites and stings - Australian Bites & Stings: First Aid Guide to Australian Venomous Creatures.

Download the FREE Australian Bites & Stings App

Resource for Healthcare Professionals

This online resource for healthcare professionals has been created alongside experts to support education on venomous bites and stings and antivenom products. Simple registration requires an AHPRA number, for access to downloadable materials on venomous bites and stings management, and guidance on some common clinical questions.

Learn more at Bites & Stings

Improving access to antivenom in Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea (PNG), over 1,000 deaths from snakebite are estimated to occur annually, therefore the availability of antivenom is essential for timely emergency treatment⁵. CSL Seqirus has partnered with the PNG Government and industry to improve access to life-saving treatment with an annual donation of snake and marine creature antivenoms.

Learn more: PNG Snakebite Project

Collaborating to improve patient outcomes in Myanmar

Myanmar has one of the highest burdens of snakebite in the world⁶. CSL Seqirus has partnered with governments and industry to enhance the outcomes of snakebite patients by helping to improve antivenom production, availability and hospital care.

Learn more: Case study Myanmar

ANZ-AVAT-21-0016. Date of preparation: September 2022

References:

^{Australian Immunisation Handbook. Q fever [Updated 6 Jun 2018; Accessed 4 Jun 2021]}^{https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventable-diseases/q-fever}
^{Armstrong M, Francis J, Robson J, et al. (2019) Q fever vaccination of children in Australia: Limited experience to date. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.}
^{Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Venomous bites and stings, 2017–18. [Updated March 2021; Accessed 14 September 2021] https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/78b416bf-0250-4368-89d6-81e2d9f32528/aihw-injcat-215.pdf.aspx}
^{Healy, J & Winkel, KD (Ed). Venom: Fear, fascination and discovery. Medical History Museum, University of Melbourne, 2013. Australia.}
^{PNG High Commission Snakebite Partnership Fact Sheet [Update 18 Oct 2018; Accessed 13 May 2021]}
^{Mahmood MA, Halliday D, Cumming R, Thwin K-T, Kyaw MMZ, White J, et al. (2018) Snakebite incidence in two townships in Mandalay Division, Myanmar. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 12(7): e0006643. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006643}