Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Health
Tasmanians who are at the greatest risk from COVID-19 can now get a fourth dose of the vaccine to ensure they have maximum protection against the virus ahead of winter.
Up to 150,000 vulnerable Tasmanians can access this “winter dose” at participating GPs and pharmacies across the State, as well as at state-run clinics.
We know our immunity against the Omicron variant starts to decline after a few months, so I encourage all eligible people to please follow the Public health advice and get their second booster.
The groups identified by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) as most at risk, and are therefore eligible to get a booster include those 65 years and over, residents of aged care and disability facilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 50 and over, and people with severe immunocompromise.
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are recommended and should be administered four months after your original booster. Proof of previous vaccination is required.
A booster is the best way for you to maintain your immunity against COVID-19 and to protect yourself, your family and the rest of the Tasmanian community.
I know there’s a degree of vaccine fatigue given how long we’ve been living with the pandemic, but if you’re over 16 and in an eligible group I urge you to please get your booster for extra protection this winter and help keep Tasmania one of the safest places on the planet.
Conveniently, if you go to your GP or pharmacist, you can get the second COVID booster at the same time as the flu vaccine, so there’s no need to wait in between these two vaccinations.
Tasmanians can book their second booster dose through their GP or pharmacy, or for state-run clinics call the Public Health Hotline: 1800 671 738
