The Gutwein
Government needs to follow the lead of other states and fast-track COVID
booster shots to ensure the escalation of admissions to hospitals does not
continue.
Shadow Health
Minister Anita Dow said Public Health had yesterday confirmed that of the
patients currently in Tasmanian hospitals diagnosed with COVID-19, only four were
fully vaccinated, including a booster.
“The Director of
Public Health Mark Veitch has been clear that evidence shows that
booster vaccinations are critical for keeping people out of hospital,” Ms Dow
said.
“In addition, Victoria has today reduced
the dose interval for COVID-19 booster shots to three months,
effective immediately, and that will substantially increase the number of
people who are now eligible.
“Premier Peter Gutwein needs to follow suit so
more Tasmanians can get fully vaccinated to help keep
them out of hospital.
“It’s crucial as the spread of COVID in Tasmania continues to
escalate – with 1,185 more cases reported today, with nine cases now confirmed
in a ward at the Mersey Community Hospital and with 29 people in hospital –
that the Liberal Government takes every precaution to keep Tasmanians safe and
try and prevent hospitalisations.
“Tasmania’s health and hospital system and our frontline health professionals were already overburdened before this latest wave of the pandemic and the Premier needs to be trying to ensure the situation does not reach breaking point.”
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Health Minister
