Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Health
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is taking further action to ensure that every Tasmanian has the opportunity to receive their influenza vaccination.
From Monday, June 6, flu vaccinations will be free across GP clinics and Pharmacies for a four week period until Wednesday, July 6.
This program is in addition to our state-run flu vaccination clinics that will continue to provide free vaccinations.
Earlier this week, we announced that from this weekend, children aged as young as six months will be able to be vaccinated against influenza at vaccination clinics across Tasmania.
Tasmania has delivered close to 200,000 flu vaccines this year, making us the most vaccinated state nationally as a percentage of the population. Almost 70 per cent of Tasmanians over 65 have already had their flu shot.
But we are now starting to see our flu rates rise and in the last week, the rate has more than doubled in Tasmania.
In the week ending Sunday, May 29, 134 cases of influenza were notified to the Department of Health, and to put this into perspective, this is higher than the same time in 2019.
That's why it's important that we continue to increase these rates – particularly for Tasmanians aged over 65 where there is still 30 per cent yet to receive a vaccine, as well as the 83 per cent of children under five years who have not yet received a flu shot.
As a reminder, free flu vaccines will be available for:
- 10 years plus – at participating Pharmacies
- 6 months plus – at GPs and State Community Clinics
If you haven't yet, please make an appointment now to take advantage of this scheme and to ensure GPs and Pharmacies are able to order adequate stock.
And don't forget if you are due for a COVID booster, you can have this on the same day as your flu vaccination.
State-run clinics open this weekend:
- June 4-5, MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy, Saturday and Sunday 9am-4.30pm;
- June 4-5, Launceston, 12-14 St John St, 9am-4.30pm;
- June 4, Hobart City, 109 Collins St, 9am-4.30pm;
- June 4, Ulverstone Civic Centre, 10am-3.30pm;
- June 4, Margate Primary School, 10am-3.30pm;
- June 5, New Norfolk RSL, 10am-3.30pm; and
June 5, Sheffield, Kentish House, 10am-3.30pm.
