Peter Gutwein,Premier
Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Health
Today, Tasmania will reach a major milestone – 50 per cent of eligible Tasmanians will have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the day.
Premier Peter Gutwein said this puts Tasmania well ahead of the national average of just over 41 per cent.
"I am very thankful that Tasmanians are hearing our message and they are taking action to protect themselves, their loved ones and our community," Mr Gutwein said.
"Importantly 25 per cent of Tasmanians have now had their second dose as well meaning that one in four eligible Tasmanians are now fully vaccinated, and that we are well on the way to giving us the very best chance of combatting COVID-19.
"Last week, we announced the program had opened up to 30 to 39-year-olds, and I'm advised bookings for that age group have been very strong.
"This week we can announce that from Monday August 9, we will be opening up to children aged 12 to 15 years with specified medical conditions or disability, or who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or live in remote communities.
"I recently received my second dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine enabling me to join the 25 per cent of eligible Tasmanians now fully vaccinated."
Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff said as at 3 August, we have delivered 329,781 doses across the state.
"That is made up of 168,600 doses in State Government clinics, 19,093 by the Australian Government provider in aged and disability care, and 142,088 through GPs," Mr Rockliff said.
"We're opening new community clinics all the time and we're accelerating.
"Today, we want to say thank you to Tasmanians for rolling up their sleeves and getting vaccinated. A big thank you also to the many nurses, administration staff, pharmacists, public health specialists, doctors, paramedics and other health staff who we continue to rely on to ensure our vaccination effort runs smoothly."
To find out whether you are eligible for a vaccine, please visit www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination/vaccine-eligibility
You can make an appointment by calling the Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738, or online at www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination/Book-your-vaccine
