The State Government has begun advertising the expanded meningococcal vaccine program in Tasmania’s three newspapers today.
This will be followed by radio and television advertisements in the coming weeks to inform the public about when and where the vaccine is available.
In addition, information posters and pamphlets will be distributed across the state from next week to ensure Tasmanians are aware of the program, and the Premier and I will also write to every household in the state.
Information will also be distributed through GP clinics, childcare centres, schools, councils, pharmacies, Service Tasmania and be displayed in public healthcare buildings.
An extra 6,500 doses of the vaccine, which covers meningococcal strains A, C, W and Y, arrived in the state yesterday without delay and delivery commenced immediately to GPs in the area from New Town through to Glenorchy, where three of the four meningococcal W disease cases occurred.
I thank the staff at Public Health Services for their dedication and swift action in getting the first stage of the program underway in the northern suburbs so quickly after it was announced. This is a great achievement and strong start to the program.
The Government has ordered a further 90,000 doses to ensure adequate supply across Tasmania. Providers will be kept up to date about when these will reach their clinics.
Free vaccines under the extended program will be distributed to immunisers, including GPs, pharmacists and council clinics as the full program rolls out in the coming weeks.
This vaccine program follows the fourth recent confirmed case of meningococcal W disease in the Hobart area on Wednesday this week. There have been no further confirmed cases of meningococcal disease since then.
It remains important for the public to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease, such as fever, severe headache, severe muscle pain, and quickly becoming unusually unwell. Late in the illness, there can be a rash. Infants can be lethargic, floppy and feed poorly.
Anyone who is concerned that they may be showing symptoms of meningococcal disease should seek emergency medical care.
Further information is available online at http://www.health.tas.gov.au or via the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.