The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to advancing reforms that will keep Tasmanians healthy and out of hospital.
I am pleased that Tasmanians can, for the first time, purchase and receive flu vaccinations from authorised pharmacists following changes to State Government regulations earlier this year.
The new regulations will increase access to vaccines for healthy Tasmanians aged 18 years and over seeking protection from this year’s flu.
People now have a personal choice as to whether they could prefer to go to a doctor or a pharmacist, and I encourage every healthy adult Tasmanian to consider getting the flu vaccine to reduce their risk of ending up sick at their GP or in a hospital emergency department.
Flu vaccines need to be given each year because flu viruses are always changing, and the more people that get the vaccine, the better off our health system and hospitals will be ahead of the expected busy winter flu season.
Tasmanians most at risk from flu remain eligible to obtain the vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program, which is mostly provided by GPs.
People eligible for free flu vaccination from GPs are:
The vaccine itself is free for people in these groups, although GPs may charge for the consultation.
Important reforms like this are essential in helping us reach our goal of having the healthiest population in Australia by 2025.