The Gutwein Government needs to follow the lead of other states and fast-track COVID booster shots to ensure the escalation of admissions to hospitals does not continue.
Shadow Health Minister Anita Dow said Public Health had yesterday confirmed that of the patients currently in Tasmanian hospitals diagnosed with COVID-19, only four were fully vaccinated, including a booster.
"The Director of Public Health Mark Veitch has been clear that evidence shows that booster vaccinations are critical for keeping people out of hospital," Ms Dow said.
"In addition, Victoria has today reduced the dose interval for COVID-19 booster shots to three months, effective immediately, and that will substantially increase the number of people who are now eligible.
"Premier Peter Gutwein needs to follow suit so more Tasmanians can get fully vaccinated to help keep them out of hospital.
"It's crucial as the spread of COVID in Tasmania continues to escalate - with 1,185 more cases reported today, with nine cases now confirmed in a ward at the Mersey Community Hospital and with 29 people in hospital - that the Liberal Government takes every precaution to keep Tasmanians safe and try and prevent hospitalisations.
"Tasmania's health and hospital system and our frontline health professionals were already overburdened before this latest wave of the pandemic and the Premier needs to be trying to ensure the situation does not reach breaking point."
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Health Minister
