The Rockliff-Ferguson Government should be acting to ensure as many Tasmanians as possible can access the flu vaccine with tomorrow marking the first day of winter and inevitable outbreaks.
Tasmania has remained relatively free of the flu over the past two years but with COVID restrictions largely abolished and people moving freely about the community, it's critical access to the vaccine is made a priority by the Premier and Health Minister.
We need to make sure that there are no barriers to Tasmanians accessing the flu vaccine and Mr Rockliff should be looking to the example of other states which are providing free flu vaccination programs through pharmacies and GPs.
Tasmania's free public clinics are not accessible to everyone and the government needs to immediately implement longer opening hours, particularly in rural and regional areas where health services are limited.
The Premier could also go further and introduce pop-up clinics as the government did with COVID vaccines at Bunnings.
You only need to look at the recent situation at the Launceston General Hospital where patients have been warned to stay away unless they have life threatening emergencies to understand we are on the cusp of a perfect storm as winter approaches.
Tasmanians can expect to see more situations like this.
The Tasmanian health system is at breaking point, our health staff are exhausted and we need to minimise the impact of the flu season and keep Tasmanians well.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Health Minister
