The recent positive COVID case in Launceston should be a wake-up call for the Gutwein Government to act on low first dose vaccination rates across Tasmanian local government areas including – critically – increasing access.
Shadow Health Minister Anita Dow said current vaccination rates across many LGAs were concerning and the government should look to improve and review its approach to the rollout of vaccine clinics across our communities.
“The government need to prioritise better local access to vaccine clinics and testing across the state and especially in Launceston and it’s northern suburbs,” Ms Dow said.
“There is an obvious need for more walk-in vaccination clinics to be stood up in our communities where there are low vaccine rates.
“The mobile testing clinic being stood up in Newnham today is a good initiative and consideration should be given to rolling out mobile vaccine clinics across further communities.
“Ravenswood Community House has said they would be happy to work with the government to host a walk-in vaccine clinic and the government should be working closely with community organisations to increase access.
“It makes no sense that the government is urging people to roll up their sleeves when it appears that the planning hasn’t been done to ensure Tasmanians who cannot travel can get access to vaccines in their local community.
“Tasmania’s low levels of digital literacy, a lack of health literacy, poor access to public transport and long waiting times to see a GP are all significant barriers to people accessing the COVID vaccine and the government needs to be doing all they can to help.”
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Health Minister
