Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Health
Tasmania has passed another significant milestone in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
90 per cent of the population 16 years and over have now had their first dose, setting us on course to meet our target of 90 per cent fully vaccinated by December 1.
This is an important step on our path to safely reconnect Tasmania when our borders open on December 15.
The Tasmanian Government has prioritised the health and safety of Tasmanians at every step throughout the pandemic.
Vaccination is not only the best way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community against COVID-19, it is also one of the best ways to ensure our hospitals do not become overwhelmed. In the recent NSW outbreak 95 per cent of people hospitalised with COVID-19 were not fully vaccinated.
The Tasmanian Government’s number one priority is to keep Tasmanians safe and secure.
That’s why we are taking a steady and more cautious approach, and walking our own careful path – as we have throughout the pandemic.
Most jurisdictions will reopen their borders when their vaccination rates hit 80 per cent in coming weeks, however we will wait until 90 per cent of our eligible population is fully vaccinated before we do that.
This means all Tasmanians aged 12 years and over will have had the chance to be vaccinated before December 15, supporting a safer border reopening.
We are well on track to achieve this goal with 77.35 per cent of those aged 16 and over fully vaccinated, and 61.68 per cent of 12 to 15 year-olds having had at least one dose.
While the State is making great progress, it is important to remind Tasmanians to keep up the momentum.
There are thousands of spots available at state-run clinics around the state where you can walk in a receive your dose, no appointment required.
And there are GPs and pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccinations across all areas of the state.
To book a Pfizer vaccination at a State Clinic, go to www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au or call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
To book a Moderna vaccination at a community pharmacy, go to www.findapharmacy.com.au.
You can also check with your local GP to see if they are one of the 105 participating GPs and make an appointment with them directly.
