The Tasmanian Government welcomes ATAGI’s decision to reduce the recommended interval for booster shots from five months to four months from January 4, and to three months from January 31.
Tasmania is already leading the nation with boosters, with 10 per cent of eligible Tasmanians already having had their booster.
This decision will make more Tasmanians eligible for a booster sooner, ensuring our community is as vaccinated and prepared as possible as we continue to see cases in the State in coming months.
Importantly, we are ready for the expected increase in demand on our vaccination clinics.
We have already put on more than 10,500 extra appointments at state-run clinics this December, with added clinics running between Christmas and New Year, and we will extend these with additional appointments if required.
The Department of Health will also be working closely with GPs and pharmacies in coming days to ensure they are prepared for the increase in demand following on from yesterday’s decision to increase the rebate for GPs and pharmacies who administer the COVID-19 vaccination booster dose.
Today’s 27 new cases bring the total number of active cases in Tasmania to 79, and our strong, sensible and safe reopening plan continues to work as intended.
However, our number one safeguard remains vaccination, so we continue to ask for the small percentage who are yet to receive their first or second dose, and those who are due for their booster shots – please, protect yourselves and your family, and get the jab.
For more information or to make a booking, including for your booster shot if you are now eligible sooner, please visit coronavirus.tas.gov.au or call the Public Health hotline on 1800 671 738 to book.
And with Christmas almost here, continue to remember to do the little things and use your common sense. Wear your mask indoors, practice good hygiene and use the Check in Tas App and, if you’re unwell, don’t go to your Christmas function - stay home.