Double dose of
THE number of Tasmanians over the age of 16 who are fully vaccinated has officially passed 50 per cent, a figure only Tasmania and the ACT have achieved.
As of Tuesday, 49.9 per cent of the population over 16 had received two doses, while 68.5 per cent had received one dose.
Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff said it was a major milestone.
“The Tasmanian government’s super six vaccination blitz has now administered more than 150,000 vaccinations since starting one month ago, hitting record pace thanks to the continued expansion of state-run community clinics and primary care settings,” Mr Rockliff said.
“It follows a huge weekend of vaccinations, with 1400 people receiving a vaccination at Burnie’s Arts and Function Centre and 1000 people rolling up their sleeves on Sunday at the opening of a new clinic at Hobart’s PW1.”
The achievement comes as Tasmania prepares to begin administering the Moderna vaccine to those aged between 12 and 59 next week.
“Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community,” Mr Rockliff said.
“We have thousands of people already booked into our system in the weeks ahead, but we still have some appointments available across the state.”
Tasmania’s vaccination program will ramp up for students as the rollout continues at schools in the North and North-West.
Pop-up super clinics will be held over the next two weeks at Launceston’s Door of Hope, Campbell Town, the West Coast, Sorell and Rokeby.
Australian Medical Association president Helen McArdle said the vaccination rate was promising.
“It shows now there’s a greater supply of vaccines, Tasmanians are voting with their feet,” she said.
Dr McArdle said Tasmania might have been able to reach the milestone earlier.
“Most of the issues around the vaccine rollout have revolved around supply,” Dr McArdle said.
“We certainly had lots of supply around Astra Zeneca but once the recommendation that Pfizer had to be used for over 60s, many were reluctant to get it.”
Dr McArdle expected a big uptake of the Moderna vaccine.
“Now the supply seems to be flowing well, we should be able to rapidly increase that percentage,” she said.
“Moderna will be provided through pharmacies so I think we will see a significant pick up in the amount of vaccination.”
She said everyone should get vaccinated.
“From my discussions with people and what I see in the media, I think the young people are very keen to get the vaccine, I think the hesitancy comes from the older people,” Dr McArdle said.
“I think a lot of older people are nervous about the Astra Zeneca.”
To book a vaccination, call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.