In an important step on our path to safely reconnect Tasmania when borders open on 15 December, the Tasmanian Liberal government is launching a major promotion in a bid to boost the number of young people getting vaccinated.
While we are doing everything we can as a Government to ensure our health system is prepared, the best protection for individuals, communities and our hospitals is vaccination. We know it works.
We know that young people experience the highest rates of COVID-19 infection, and while they may not experience serious symptoms themselves, they are spreaders of the virus.
That’s why today we have announced an incentive program that will run until 15 December 2021.
From tomorrow, Saturday 20 November, to next Wednesday 24 November, 12–18-year-olds will have the chance to win some great prizes simply by getting vaccinated and filling out a coupon.
When they turn up to one of our free vaccination clinics within the five-day period and get either their first or second dose, they will have the chance to win an iPhone or an iPad by entering a spot prize draw on the day.
Additionally, any person aged 12-18 who is fully vaccinated by 30 November will be able to register for the draw to win one of 15 prizes that include a mix of iPhones or iPads.
Winners will be announced on 1 December.
In addition, Tasmanians aged 12-18 who are fully vaccinated by 14 December, can enter the draw to win one of 20 prizes on offer which include iPads, iPhones and Apple Watches.
Entrants for both draws will need to register online.
For the remaining young Tasmanians who haven’t yet had their first dose yet, I can’t urge you strongly enough, time is running out to get fully vaccinated before the State opens up.
And, importantly, you must receive two doses of the vaccine to be fully vaccinated, with a minimum of three weeks between doses.
With more than 92 per cent of Tasmanians aged 16 and over having had at least one dose, we are making great progress but it’s important that we don’t lose momentum.
There are still more than 10,000 Tasmanians aged 12 to 18 who remain unvaccinated.
To all of our parents, carers and teens - this is now urgent – we need all parents, carers and high school children to get on top of this in time for the border reopening. If you get dose one by next Wednesday 24 November you can be fully vaccinated by 15 December.
With their high levels of mobility and social activity, young people are experiencing the highest rates of COVID-19 infection in Australia and are the biggest spreaders to whole households.
Not only will vaccination help protect your child from severe illness, but it will also protect your family and the community by reducing the chance of them spreading the virus, particularly in schools.
The chance to win a spot prize is now available by attending a State-run clinic across all regions, no appointment is required.
To register to enter the draw for prizes: http://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/vax-incentive
To see a full list of State-run community clinics and to make a booking visit:
www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/booking or call the Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738