More than 43,000 vaccines have been distributed as part of the government’s meningococcal W disease vaccination program, with more free clinics to be held.
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Public health clinics will be rolled out in to the state’s North and North-West in October.
However, Health Minister Michael Ferguson said there was no need to wait for a clinic to get the vaccination.
“Eligible Tasmanians can receive a free vaccine from GPs and authorised pharmacist immunisers,” he said.
“General practitioners and local councils are already delivering additional clinics, with the distribution of vaccines to GPs being statewide, including regional areas.”
He said it remained important for the public to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease, which include fevers, severe headache, severe muscle pain, and quickly becoming unusually unwell. Late in the illness, there can be a rash. Infants can be lethargic, floppy and feed poorly.
Public Health Services vaccinated more than 5000 people at the Derwent Entertainment Centre public clinic last weekend and another clinic will be held at the DEC on August 18 and 19.
Bookings will open for that clinic mid-next week.
The program is costing the government between three and four million.