Scomo praises state’s vax rate

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has heaped praise on Tasmania for the pace of its Covid19 vaccination rollout, just days after the state delivered a record number of jabs across the weekend.

The PM said Tasmania was “leading the charge” with the highest double-dose vaccination rate in the country, while also singling out former premier and now high commissioner to Singapore, Will Hodgman, for his part in helping to secure extra Pfizer doses for Australia.

Tasmania has delivered 59.7 per cent of first doses to eligible Tasmanians, while 42.1 per cent are fully vaccinated, as the state continues with a supersix-week vaccination blitz.

“I think Tasmania is a great example. Tasmania has very low Covid rates — zero Covid rates — and they know they’re just as vulnerable as anyone else to the Delta strain,’’ Mr Morrison said.

“And they have, despite the fact that they have very low and little Covid, they’ve got the highest double-dose vaccination rate in the country.

“So, they’re getting on with it down there.

“They’ve had the same dose distribution that everyone else has had, and they’re getting on with it. Well done, Tassie.

“And, again, a special shout out to (Premier) Peter Gutwein, (I’ve) been in contact over the last 24 hours and I hope he’s well and recovering.”

Mr Gutwein was rushed to hospital by ambulance on Monday with an undisclosed illness, and is absent from parliamentary sittings this week as he recovers.

Mr Morrison also had a shout out for Mr Hodgman as the federal government announced a deal with Singapore to swap Pfizer vaccines.

It was announced that 500,000 Pfizer doses will become available in September, after an agreement for a swap deal was reached with the Singaporean government.

Mr Morrison said Australia was taking the 500,000 doses Singapore had now, with Australia to return that amount in December. Tasmania has secured an additional 10,675 doses as part of the deal.

“I want to give a special shout out to our high commissioner, Will Hodgman, who I sent up there and he’s doing a fantastic job, and to all of your team,’’ Mr Morrison said.

“Will, thank you very, very much for the great work you’ve done.”

Tasmanian Health Minister and Acting Premier Jeremy Rockliff said 2416 Tasmanians got a vaccination at the Hobart Pfizer super clinic at Mac01, the biggest number ever delivered at a community clinic over a weekend.

Mr Rockliff said the state was on target to achieve more than 63 per cent of the population getting their first dose of the vaccine by September 12. From Monday, 16-29-yearolds became eligible for a Pfizer vaccination in Tasmania.